Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that they rejected the designation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a “terrorist organization”.
Borrell stated in his meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi that they refused to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization and that they would continue to support it with donors. Safadi emphasized that Jordan played an important role in the crises in the region and said that the attacks in Gaza should be stopped.
UNRWA and Israeli Claims
Funded by contributions from UN member states, UNRWA has been providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees since 1950. Today, the agency supports 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA has been subject to attacks by Israel on its facilities and its aid has been blocked or destroyed, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to urgently investigate the investigation made by Israeli officials against UNRWA personnel.
Review and Results
The Independent Review Group examined Israel’s prosecution in its investigation of UNRWA’s impartiality. The Group noted that UNRWA has mechanisms in place to implement the principle of impartiality and explained that Israel’s complaints were being reviewed by the UN Internal Oversight Service.
Borrell announced on May 31 that the EU would continue to provide aid to Palestine and Palestinian refugees. The European Commission had provided 25 million euros of aid to the Palestinian Authority and 16 million euros to UNRWA.
