Israel informs UN of its decision to withdraw from agreement with UNRWA

ISTANBUL

Israel officially informed the UN on Sunday of its decision to withdraw from an agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), citing "security concerns."

In a letter addressed to UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the withdrawal relates to the 1967 agreement concerning UNRWA’s operations in support of Palestinian refugees.

The withdrawal will take effect after a three-month transition period.

Israel emphasized that it would still collaborate with international partners, including other UN agencies, to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.

However, the ministry highlighted the importance of safeguarding Israel’s security, signaling that aid facilitation should not compromise its safety.

The statement added that Israel expects the United Nations to contribute to these efforts, aligning humanitarian support with regional security needs.

The letter was also copied to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, also wrote on X: "Despite the overwhelming evidence we submitted to the UN that substantiate Hamas' infiltration of UNRWA, the UN did nothing to rectify the situation."

"The State of Israel will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organizations but not with organizations that promote terrorism against us," he added.