Irish Legal News last week interviewed Philippa Greer, the head of UNRWA’s field legal office in Gaza, who spoke about her efforts to enable the UN agency to carry out its vital work amid widespread violations of international humanitarian law.

Now Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed two pieces of legislation banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and designating it as a terror group, meaning that no Israeli state officials will be allowed to directly interact with it.

UN secretary-general António Guterres said today: “UNRWA is the principal means by which essential assistance is supplied to Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory. There is no alternative to UNRWA.

“The implementation of the laws could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory, which is unacceptable.

“I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris said yesterday: “I strongly condemn the passage of legislation in the Israeli Knesset that forbids contact between the Israeli State and UNRWA.

“If implemented, it will make it impossible for UNRWA to carry out its vital role across the region, including bringing humanitarian assistance to people in desperate need. 

“It breaches Israel’s obligations in international law. UNRWA saves lives. If it cannot carry out its mission, people will die. 

“UNRWA works on a mandate given to it by the United Nations. All member states should condemn the legislation, call on Israel to repeal it immediately and redouble their support to UNRWA and the Palestinian people.”

The Irish, Norwegian, Slovenian and Spanish governments issued a joint statement condemning the legislation and stating that they “will continue to work with donor and host countries to ensure the viability of UNRWA’s work and its humanitarian role”.