The foreign ministers of seven countries called on Israel not to interfere with the work of the UN agency.

The foreign ministers of Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Korea, France and Japan are very concerned about the bill aimed at the UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRA) and its activities in the Middle East, which is being discussed in the Israeli Knesset.

In a statement, the foreign ministers said the bill provides for a “prohibition of all contacts between Israeli government agencies, officials and the FOS, as well as any presence of the FOS in Israel.”

“The OPS has taken steps to address allegations of support for certain employees of terrorist organizations and has demonstrated its readiness to carry out internal reform,” the heads of diplomatic departments said. At the same time, they called on the UOPB to “reform, adhere to the principle of neutrality and carry out its duties within the framework of its mandate.”

Also, the foreign ministers of 7 countries called on the Israeli government to “comply with its international obligations, not to violate the immunity and privileges of the ODF and not to interfere with this structure in fulfilling its responsibilities to provide the civilian population with fast, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms, as well as urgently needed basic services “

At the same time, the foreign ministers once again strongly condemned the “cruel and unfounded” Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“OPR provides vital humanitarian assistance and basic services to Palestine refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and throughout the region. Without the work of OFS to provide such assistance and services, including education, health and fuel distribution, in Gaza and the West Bank it would be significantly difficult, if not impossible, with devastating consequences for an already critical humanitarian situation that is rapidly is getting worse,” the statement said.

The diplomats say it is “critical” that OFS and other UN agencies and organizations “are fully capable of providing humanitarian assistance and support to those who need it most, effectively carrying out their mission.”