I was granted an Urgent Question on the Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating in Israeli occupied territory, including Gaza and the West Bank. Below is a transcript of my speech after asking the International Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds MP, what the government’s view on this is.

Speech (check against delivery)

I thank the Minister for that, and I also welcome the comments made by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary yesterday.

But our statements of concerns will do nothing for the innocent Palestinian lives who will be further devastated by this decision.

The Minister will know that the decision was backed yesterday by 90% of the Knesset.

It will see UNRWA evicted from premises it has held for over 70 years and severely block its ability to provide essential services such as healthcare and education to millions of Palestine refugees.

It is a reckless move and one that threatens to dismantle the backbone of the international humanitarian operation in Gaza, worsening an already catastrophic crisis.

And will deprive them of essential food, water, medical aid, education, and protection, which is already being obstructed.

But it will also have, catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria where essential humanitarian aid is crucial for both the refugees and the host communities.

It is clear, that these actions are part of the wider strategy to delegitimise UNRWA.

And to undermine the international legal framework protecting their rights, specifically the right of return for Palestinian refugees who have been languishing in surrounding countries.

Does the Minister agree with me that the real intent is in part to undermine UNRWA’s efforts to uphold the status of Palestinian refugees and obstruct a future political resolution?

Can I also remind the Minister, that the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures within in its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article 2 of the Genocide Convention.

By banning UNRWA’s operations, Israel is disregarding the ICJ’s provisional measure to “ensure the delivery of life-saving aid into Gaza”.

Does she agree with me that halting UNRWA’s services when there is no viable alternative to UNRWA, would amount to collective punishment and the use of starvation as a weapon of war?

It has had a mandate from the UN General Assembly since 1949 and has provided support to millions of refugees.

Unilaterally tearing up UNRWA’s mandate would challenge the integrity of the international system and set a dangerous precedent.

Will she make clear to her Israeli counterparts that attempts to undermine the UN, its institutions, and the international order are unacceptable and will be responded to as such?

My final point to the Minister is this. In the last year alone, we have seen the dissemination of Gaza, millions displaced, hundreds of thousands killed. In the West Bank there are more than half million illegal settlements.

Is it not now the time to fully fulfil Part II of the Balfour agreement and take steps towards recognising an independent state of Palestine, alongside Israel?