Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA strongly condemns the decision of the Israeli government to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from providing critical, life-saving humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank.
There is simply no alternative humanitarian organisation with UNRWA’s capacity that can deliver humanitarian aid across the breadth of Gaza and this decision will mean a tragic escalation of deaths that is clearly avoidable.
This decision demands strong opposition from the international community, along with all steps taken to have Israel reverse the decision.
In keeping with ACTU statement of the 22nd of April 2024, we reiterate the calls for the Australian government to end military trade with Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials denying aid, to press for a reversal of this decision’s horrifying implications.
Over the last 12 months, Union Aid Abroad has raised $1million from across Australia to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza, delivered through its partner organisation, the MA’AN Development Center, working in collaboration with local NGOs and the UN agencies to provide life-saving assistance.
Executive Director of the MA’AN Development Centre, Mr Sami Khader said:
“UNRWA symbolizes the Palestinian people’s right of return. It was established by the United Nations, and the occupation cannot dismantle it. The UNRWA is the backbone of aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the international community must support UNRWA in confronting the Israeli decision to wage war on this UN institution. It is a shame for the international community to allow Israel to destroy and confiscate the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, preventing it from fulfilling its role”.
Co-Executive Officer of Union Aid Abroad, Ms Kate Lee said:
“The world simply cannot allow the starvation of Gazans to continue through this act that defies humanity. Without UNRWA, collectively we are condemning Gazans to death. Without the UN agencies, we are accepting that the world no longer supports multi-lateralism which has dire consequences for global peace”.
For further information contact: comms@apheda.org.au