DeLauro Statement on Israel Banning UNRWA

Today,Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to Israel's parliament passing legislation to ban the United Nation's Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA):

"The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is indispensable in addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis, as well as maintaining stability in the West Bank. Israel's decision to enact legislation to halt UNRWA operations and cease all cooperation is dangerous, short-sighted, and would leave innocent Palestinians even more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of this war. At a time when we are already failing to meet the urgent needs of Gazans, this action further undermines UNRWA, fosters distrust in our international institutions, and fuels animosity toward Israel from its neighbors. This crisis is costing far too many innocent lives, including at least 60 people - mostly women and children - killed in a single strike on Tuesday in northern Gaza. The toll on civilian lives is tragic and underscores the need for uninterrupted humanitarian support.

"As nearly 2 million Gazans continue to face starvation, this action would intensify an already dire crisis. It further threatens the health of Gazans, interrupting vital healthcare efforts, such as the World Health Organization's polio vaccination campaign, which depends on UNRWA infrastructure and support and Israeli cooperation. Further destabilized Palestinian communities and friction with the United Nations jeopardizes regional security and isolates Israel globally.

"UNRWA must be able to continue its lifesaving work. The agency has expressed commitment to working with Israel to ensure that its operations are not used by Hamas. Our focus should be placed on the proposed reforms laid out in the Colonna Report to ensure the organization's neutrality in a difficult working environment, not scapegoating a critical humanitarian actor.

"Achieving peace and stability in the region requires an immediate ceasefire, a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid reaching civilians in need, and the release of the hostages held by Hamas."