Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom expressed their deep concern regarding the legislation currently being considered by the Israeli Knesset, which aims to abolish the privileges and immunities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East "UNRWA," prevent any communication between Israeli government bodies and Israeli officials and UNRWA, and prohibit any presence of UNRWA within Israel.

The statement issued by the German embassy in Cairo today, Monday, clarified that UNRWA provides essential humanitarian aid and lifesaving essential services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and throughout the region. Without its work, the provision of such aid and services, including education, healthcare, and fuel distribution in Gaza and the West Bank, would be severely disrupted, if not rendered impossible, with devastating consequences for the already rapidly deteriorating critical humanitarian situation, especially in North Gaza.

The seven countries confirmed in their statement that it is of utmost importance for UNRWA and other United Nations organizations and agencies to be able to deliver humanitarian assistance and support to those in dire need and to fulfill their mandates effectively.

The foreign ministers stated in the announcement: "We urge the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations, to maintain the privileges and immunities of UNRWA unscathed, and to fulfill its responsibility to facilitate the provision of full, prompt, safe, and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms, as well as to provide the basic services that the civilian population urgently needs."

They added in their statement: "UNRWA has taken steps to address the allegations regarding the support of some individual employees for terrorist organizations and has shown its willingness to continue and implement internal process reforms in accordance with the independent review conducted in April 2024, led by Catherine Colonna, regarding UNRWA's neutrality. We also call on UNRWA to continue its reform path as a priority, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality and ensuring that its activities remain fully aligned with its mandated tasks. We will continue to actively monitor and support this process."