Israel ban on UN relief agency in direct contravention of international obligations – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on the government to consider ending free trade negotiations with Israel following news that the Israeli parliament has voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in contravention with its international obligations. 

UNRWA is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. Contact between UNRWA employees and Israeli officials will be banned within three months, severely limiting the agency’s ability to operate in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Co-operation with the Israeli military – which controls all crossings into Gaza – is essential for UNRWA to transfer aid into the territory. 

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Carmichael said:

“If the Knesset Bill is an indication of how Israel now sees international treaties and international law, there is surely no point in further negotiations on a free trade agreement with Israel? Should we not just end those negotiations now?”

Responding, the Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds MP said:

“As I have stated, I will not speculate on the activities of another Parliament. However, I will be very clear about the UK Government’s response, particularly when it comes to the potential humanitarian impact. Others may wish to discuss trade issues, but for me, as Development Minister, the most important thing is how we ensure access to aid for those who are so desperately in need in Gaza. That is what I will continue to focus on.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“This move by the Israeli Parliament flies in direct contravention with Israel’s international obligations and will have direct implications for the safety of civilians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. If good sense is going to prevail then the government has got to offer more than mere words in response. 

“Whether it is a full ban on arms sales, a proper block on illegal settlement goods being imported into the UK or sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers, there are actions that we can take to put pressure on Israel to moderate its approach and restore recognition to UNRWA. We cannot simply wait for things to get better on their own – now is the time for the government to lead.”