EU Statement -- UN General Assembly 4th Committee: Interactive Dialogue with UNRWA Commissioner-General

Thank you, Chair! 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

I wish to thank the Commissioner-General for his statement.

We reiterate our appreciation for UNRWA’s work and for its dedicated staff who are working in an extremely difficult and challenging context. The EU stresses the essential role of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in Gaza and the wider region. 

The EU condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate. 

We take note of the ICJ AO on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Furthermore, it is essential that UNRWA can continue carrying out its crucial work in the humanitarian response to millions of Palestine refugees in the region, delivering life-saving support to a population facing critical and immense needs. UNRWA also plays a fundamental role in providing education and health services.

The EU is committed to continuing its support to the Agency. In 2025, the EU has delivered on its commitment and disbursed the entirety of the 2025 planned contribution of EUR 82 million to UNRWA’s Programme Budget, on top of the humanitarian contribution of EUR 30.2 million.

We reiterate our call on all parties to engage constructively and fully implement the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump without delay, allowing for a permanent end to hostilities. To alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, we call for immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza and for the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, including UNRWA, to be able to work independently and impartially.

In addition, we note the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review Group report, following the allegations against some UNRWA staff. We will continue to closely monitor and evaluate its implementation and look forward to further decisive action by the UN to ensure neutrality, accountability and strengthen control and oversight in order to prevent further cases 

Finally, a more detailed statement, outlining the EU position, will be delivered during the general debate. 

I thank you. 

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.