Israeli evacuation orders contradict UN law: UNRWA
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Following the Israeli authorities' request for UNRWA to evacuate its buildings in occupied east al-Quds by the end of this month, the agency responded, emphasizing that this action contradicts the obligations of UN members, including "Israel", under international law.
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A visit to UNRWA Health Center in East al-Quds old city, part of a diplomatic mission to the occupied Palestinian territories, in Rammalah, Palestina, on May 24, 2024. (AFP)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) responded to a request from the Israeli authorities, which ordered the agency to "vacate all premises in occupied East Jerusalem and cease its operations in them by 30 January 2025."
In a statement on Sunday, UNRWA stressed the "contradiction to international law obligations of UN member states including the State of Israel, which is bound by the General Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations."
It added that "the United Nations premises are inviolable and enjoy privileges and immunities under the United Nations Charter."
The agency underscored that "The State of Israel is a signatory -without reservations- to the General Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and enacted its provisions in its domestic law. These provisions oblige the State of Israel to respect United Nations privileges and immunities, including respect for United Nations premises."
It also emphasized that UNRWA's properties and assets, including those in east al-Quds, are protected from search, confiscation, or any form of interference.
The UN agency further stated, "Claims from the Israeli authorities that UNRWA has no right to occupy the premises are without foundation," adding, "They promote anti-UNRWA rhetoric, placing the Agency’s facilities and personnel at risk. The Government of Israel has stated publicly that the aim to vacate UNRWA premises in Sheikh Jarrah is to expand Israeli illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem."
UNRWA concluded by stressing that the Israeli occupation must take all necessary measures, in accordance with its obligations under international law, to ensure the protection of the Agency's property and facilities.
'Israel' demands UNRWA cease operations in al-Quds by month-end
It is worth mentioning that on Friday, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon announced that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) must halt its operations and vacate its premises in occupied al-Quds by January 30, 2025.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Danon stated, "UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem, and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city, no later than January 30, 2025."
According to the letter, the directive is necessary due to "acute national security risks" associated with what "Israel" claims is the "infiltration" of UNRWA by Hamas.
This announcement followed legislative actions in late October when the Israeli parliament passed bills seeking to prohibit UNRWA activities within occupied Palestine and territories under Israeli control. The bills cited allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
However, a UN report on the agency's activities refuted these claims, indicating that the Israeli occupation was yet to provide any evidence linking UNRWA employees to "terrorist activities."
