EU urges Israel for continuation of UNRWA services

The European Union said Saturday it is gravely concerned over an Israeli bill that will ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warning of dire consequences of disrupting its services. An Israeli parliamentary committee has initially approved legislation to ban UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory and end all contact with the agency, a bill that needs final approval by the Knesset. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, called on Israel to ensure the agency continues its crucial role in line with its mandate that was approved by the UN General Assembly. If passed, the bill will have dire consequences as it will prevent the agency from offering services and protecting Palestinian refugees, he warned. UNRWA provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees and is a pillar of regional stability and has a key role to secure conditions on the ground for a credible path towards a two-state solution," he said. Sou rce: Jordan News Agency