The Foreign Ministry last Thursday sharply criticized a joint statement by 15 countries and the European Union condemning Israel’s entry into a UNRWA training center in Kalandia and the seizure of the agency’s facilities in eastern Jerusalem two days earlier.
The countries called on Israel to “honor its commitments” and immediately stop what they described as interference with UNRWA’s operations.
The statement, signed by the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, Japan, and other countries, reaffirmed their support for UNRWA and argued that Israel’s entry into the facilities was illegal. They said UN facilities are protected under international law and called on Israel to allow UNRWA to carry out its work without obstruction.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said: “Your facts are wrong. You support an organization that is a breeding ground for terrorism, and you prefer to attack Israel with baseless accusations instead of acting for the benefit of Arab children in Kafr Akab. This is a disgrace.”
AFSI Insight
Israel is right to reject the international community’s defense of UNRWA. The evidence of UNRWA personnel and facilities being exploited by Hamas makes continued support for the agency unacceptable. Rather than condemning Israel for enforcing its laws and protecting its citizens, these 15 countries and the EU should demand accountability from UNRWA and support Israel’s efforts to replace an organization that has become intertwined with terrorism.