Belgium Condemns Israeli Attempt to Brand UN Agency for Palestinians as ‘Terrorist Group’

Belgium has condemned the Israeli Knesset’s recent efforts to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a “terrorist organization.”

Rabat – Belgium has condemned the Israeli Knesset’s recent efforts to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a “terrorist organization.”

Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Hajda Lahbib, expressed her country’s disapproval via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the crucial role of the UN agency in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians amidst the severe crisis in Gaza.

“Belgium condemns the Israeli parliament’s attempts to classify UNRWA as a terrorist organization and to remove the immunity of its staff,” Lahbib declared.

She further highlighted the agency’s indispensable contributions, stating that its work is “essential” for the Palestinians, especially considering the “dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

This condemnation echoes those from the European Union.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, expressed the bloc’s “deep concern” regarding the ongoing debates within the Israeli Knesset about potentially labeling UNRWA as a terrorist entity and revoking the diplomatic immunities and privileges of its staff.

The news comes as Israel continues its war on Gaza. Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations Security Council, the war has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.

Local health authorities report over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority of whom are women and children, with nearly 82,000 more injured since the start of Israel’s war on Palestine on October 7.

The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by a severe blockade limiting access to essential resources like food, clean water, and medicine.

Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice ordered an immediate halt to military operations in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians had sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6. Israel faces accusations of genocide at the court.