CARE statement: UNRWA ban 'indefensible'

“The Knesset’s vote on Monday to ban UNRWA from operating in areas under Israel’s control is indefensible and flies in the face of the countless promises to its allies that it plans to increase aid into the country. The UN has already declared that everyone in the north is now at risk of death. Palestinians are being bombed, maimed and starved. They cannot take any more.

“UNRWA is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza and other humanitarian actors rely on its infrastructures to reach people in need. No other agencies can substitute for the role played by UNRWA.

“At CARE International, we rely on UNRWA for the provision of fuel that is critical to the delivery of our emergency response inside Gaza. Without it, our ability to provide healthcare, protection, food, shelter, and safe water will be severely impaired. With many people fleeing their homes, access to these resources is vital for survival. In fact, the entire aid response risks grinding to a halt. UNRWA is not just a service provider, it also represents hope, stability, and a commitment to human dignity for millions of refugees across the region. Many of CARE’s own staff and their families still rely on UNRWA for healthcare and education, all while trying to survive and do their work as humanitarians.

“Israel has long been obstructing aid from entering Gaza and the humanitarian system there has already been weakened to the point of almost total annihilation. More than 43,000 people have died since October last year, disease is tearing through communities, and people are starving to death. This new law will further sever the lifeline of humanitarian aid.

“CARE’s partners in the north of Gaza report that they have no medicines left. Food stores and medical supplies have been intentionally targeted and destroyed and several of their staff have been killed in the latest airstrikes. Those that have stayed despite the extreme danger are regularly treating pregnant women with broken limbs, shrapnel and gunshot wounds. We've moved past critical – we're in uncharted territory. International Humanitarian Law and the rules of war seem to have become obsolete.

“We urge world leaders to do all they can to pressure Israel into reversing this law and securing an immediate ceasefire. This is another example of Israel ignoring its obligations under international law.

The UK Government must end all arms sales to Israel. What more evidence does this Government need before they stop fuelling this war?"