England-France-Germany Compact UNRWA Unplaced And Trying To Realize Two-State Solutions

UNRWA service at the Palestinian refugee shelter. (Twitter/@UNRWA)

JAKARTA - Britain, France and Germany have compactly stated that the role of the UN aid agency for Palestine (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip is irreplaceable, and will take advantage of the momentum of the Hamas-Israeli ceasefire to make efforts to realize a two-state solution.

In a joint statement issued by the UK Government, the three countries reaffirmed great concerns over the implementation of an Israeli law banning any contact between its officials and UNRWA.

"We urge the Israeli government to cooperate with international partners, including the United Nations, to ensure the continuity of operations," the joint statement said.

The statements by the foreign ministers of the three countries also called on the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations and fulfill its responsibilities to ensure humanitarian assistance in its full, fast, safe and without obstacles as well as the provision of basic services for civilians.

"There are no other UN entities or agencies that currently have the capacity or infrastructure to replace UNRWA's mandate and experience," the joint statement said, quoted from WAFA.

The ministers reaffirmed their support for UN UN UN'S mandate to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

They highlighted that UNRWA remains a major service provider for Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and plays an integral role in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On the same occasion, ministers also expressed their full support for the ceasefire agreement, welcomeing the increase in humanitarian aid that has reached Gaza since the ceasefire began, urging all parties to ensure the continuity of the aid.

"We will play our full role in the coming days and weeks to take advantage of this ceasefire opportunity and ensure it leads to a credible path to a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in peace," the statement said.

The law adopted by Knesset (Israel parliament) on October 28, 2023, came into effect last Thursday. It prohibits UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory and prevents the agency from making any contact with Israeli authorities.

Israeli officials have accused several UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and a member of the Palestinian militant group.

The United Nations itself on Thursday said UNRWA continues to provide assistance and services in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

Founded in 1949, UNRWA provided assistance, health services, and education to millions of people in Palestinian territory and neighboring Arab countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.