EU Statement -- UN General Assembly 4th Committee: UNRWA General Debate
Thank you, Chair!
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
The EU stresses the essential role of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population, including humanitarian aid and basic services, both in the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region.
We stress the need to preserve and respect the humanitarian space. In accordance with international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict must protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. We convey our condolences to the families of civilians and UNRWA personnel who have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
The EU reiterates its grave concern with the far-reaching consequences of the Israeli legislation on UNRWA for its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza. The The EU condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate.
We take note of the ICJ AO on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
It is essential that UNRWA can continue carrying out its crucial work in line with its mandate adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1949 and renewed since.
Chair,
UNRWA provides essential services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
We reiterate UNRWA’s crucial role in the humanitarian response to the Palestine refugees in the region, delivering life-saving support to a population facing critical and immense needs. UNRWA also plays a fundamental role in providing education and health services.
The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. The EU is committed to continuing its support to the Agency, both politically and financially. In 2025, the EU has delivered on its commitment and disbursed the entirety of the 2025 planned contribution of EUR 82 million to UNRWA’s Programme Budget, on top of the humanitarian contribution of EUR 30.2 million. A similar payment is earmarked for next year.
At the same time, we closely monitor and evaluate the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report following the allegations against some UNRWA staff and look forward to further decisive action by the UN to ensure neutrality, accountability and strengthen control and oversight in order to prevent further cases.
Chair,
Since the beginning of the crisis, the EU’s and its Member States collective humanitarian financial support for humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank stands at €1.5 Billion. This support is channelled through humanitarian partners, including the UN agencies, Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and international NGOs in accordance with international Law.
In addition, the EU is also providing in-kind assistance to Gaza and the region and has launched humanitarian air bridge operations to deliver aid to people affected by the crisis with thus far 77 flights that have arrived in Gaza and the transportation of over 5 000 tonnes of cargo for Gaza, including medicines, medical supplies, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene items, and educational items on behalf of humanitarian partners, as well as EU-owned stockpile items.
The EU has also opened three humanitarian warehouses in Gaza. Several member states have also delivered aid via air drops. The EU and its MS continue conducting, in coordination with WHO, medical evacuations of critical patients and family members.
To conclude, the EU reiterates its support for the UN, including UNRWA, and calls on all parties to enable their work, uphold international obligations, and contribute to a sustainable and peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.