Secretary-General Condemns Closure of UN Palestine Refugee Agency’s Jerusalem Health Centre
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli authorities’ recent actions in occupied East Jerusalem. On January 12, Israeli forces unlawfully entered a United Nations property, specifically the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Jerusalem Health Centre, leading to its temporary closure. This facility is crucial for many Palestinian refugees, as it provides essential primary healthcare services. Guterres has expressed grave concerns over these developments and called for immediate restoration of the affected UN facilities.
UN Secretary-General’s Concerns
In a statement released today, Guterres highlighted the serious implications of the Israeli authorities’ actions. The UNRWA Jerusalem Health Centre is vital for hundreds of Palestinian refugees who rely on it for their healthcare needs. The Secretary-General emphasized that this facility represents one of the few accessible options for primary healthcare for many individuals in the region. The recent closure not only disrupts healthcare services but also raises significant concerns about the broader implications for UN operations in the area.
Guterres previously communicated his concerns to Israeli Prime Minister, addressing the seizure of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound and the Knesset’s recent legislative actions aimed at ceasing UNRWA operations within Israel. These developments have prompted the Secretary-General to engage with high-ranking UN officials, including the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council, to discuss the situation.
Violation of International Law
The Secretary-General’s statement underscores that the actions taken by the Israeli authorities are inconsistent with international law, particularly the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Guterres expressed regret over the continued violations of UN premises, which he described as an obstacle to the implementation of the General Assembly’s mandate for UNRWA’s operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Furthermore, Guterres noted that UNRWA has been informed that utility providers may soon discontinue electricity and water services to several UNRWA facilities in occupied East Jerusalem. This potential disruption further exacerbates the challenges faced by the agency in delivering essential services to Palestinian refugees.
Call for Restoration and Support
In light of these developments, the Secretary-General has called on the Israeli government to take immediate action to restore the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound and the Jerusalem Health Centre. He urged the authorities to ensure that essential utilities, such as electricity and water, are maintained at UNRWA premises. The Secretary-General’s appeal reflects a commitment to uphold the rights and needs of Palestinian refugees and to ensure that UN operations can continue without obstruction.
The ongoing situation highlights the critical need for dialogue and cooperation to address the humanitarian needs of the affected populations. Guterres’ statements serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to international law and the obligations of states to protect UN facilities and personnel. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the rights and welfare of Palestinian refugees in the region.
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