WASHINGTON, Jan 29: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the Israeli government to reverse its decision to suspend the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, emphasizing the vital role the agency plays in serving the Palestinian population.

In a letter addressed to Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Dunne, on Tuesday evening, Guterres expressed regret over the Israeli decision and urged the government to withdraw it. He stressed that the legal framework governing UNRWA’s activities and the agency’s irreplaceable role must be respected.

Guterres warned that any actions preventing the UN agency from carrying out its work would significantly undermine the provision of necessary humanitarian aid in the occupied Palestinian territories. He referred to a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly during its tenth emergency special session on December 11, 2024, which affirmed that "no organization can replace or substitute UNRWA's capacity and mandate to provide essential services and assistance."

This resolution remains valid even after the agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, an agreement that Guterres welcomed and praised. He noted that the United Nations, including UNRWA, is working to support the implementation of this ceasefire agreement by increasing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, who continue to face immense suffering.

The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the ceasefire allowing for the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, which is critical for both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction efforts.

Guterres further warned that the legislation adopted by the Israeli parliament (Knesset) on October 28, 2024, which mandates UNRWA’s expulsion from its compound in East Jerusalem and bans Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency, would hinder the achievement of these vital humanitarian goals.

The Israeli government's decision to suspend UNRWA’s operations came under a law passed last year that bars the agency from operating and prohibits Israeli authorities from interacting with it.