Statement from Sphere: UNRWA ban threatens humanitarian aid in Gaza

In response to Israel’s Knesset proposed restrictive ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), William Anderson, Sphere Executive Director, has made the following statement:

“Israel was admitted to the United Nations as a full member state in 1949; two years later Israel ratified the 1949 Geneva conventions.

International law has failed the many thousands of innocent children, women and men who have been killed or wounded in Gaza during the last year.

International law has many drawbacks and is considered as much a deterrent as a potential long-game deliverer of justice.

This proposed move to ban a UN agency providing life sustaining services to people in desperate need should not be allowed to be brought into effect until such time as peace, security and safety are realised.

Were it to take place now at this time of extreme violence and war in Gaza in particular, there should be measures taken by those who uphold the UN Charter to ensure people in need of humanitarian assistance, their humanity and right to life with dignity, are considered first and not last.”

For media enquiries, please contact Tristan Hale, Head of Digital and Communications at  tristan.hale@spherestandards.org