UNRWA Rejects Israeli Authority Over Its Operations in the West Bank
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has asserted that its operations in the West Bank are not subject to Israeli laws or directives, and continue based on the official mandate of the UN General Assembly. Adnan Abu Hasna, UNRWA’s media advisor, stated that the agency has not received any formal communication or conditions from Israeli authorities regarding the return of residents to camps in the northern West Bank, dismissing related claims circulated in Israeli media as unfounded reports.
Abu Hasna emphasized that UNRWA is not an organization that falls under Israeli jurisdiction, and that its mission has recently been renewed by the UN General Assembly. He added that services to nearly one million Palestinian refugees continue as before and that the agency has made no changes to its commitment to maintain its presence and responsibilities in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that earlier today, Israeli forces entered UNRWA’s office in Jerusalem and conducted a search of the agency’s premises. Such actions have heightened concerns about potential restrictions on the activities of international organizations and underscored the need for global oversight of the humanitarian situation in Palestine.
