Russia has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to stop the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from working in the Palestinian territories and Israel.
In October, the Israeli parliament passed two laws that aim to shut down UNRWA’s operations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. These laws also prevent Israeli authorities from working with the agency. The laws officially came into effect on Thursday.
Russia said that UNRWA should be allowed to keep its work going until a peaceful solution is found to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry called UNRWA a key organization that helps Palestinian communities in occupied areas and neighboring countries. It also protects refugees’ right to return to their land.
Russia repeated its position on the Middle East peace process, saying that a fair solution should create an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This state should live peacefully alongside Israel.
Russia also criticized Israel’s claim of control over East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Moscow warned that banning UNRWA could leave many Palestinians—especially women, children, and elderly people—without help.
Russia accused Israel of breaking international law and UN resolutions. Moscow said an occupying power cannot claim sovereignty over the land it controls. The Russian ministry called Israel’s decision unfair, warning it would have serious consequences for Palestinians' access to basic help.
Russia also pointed out the loss of UNRWA workers. It reported that 273 workers had been killed during Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, making this the deadliest loss of UN staff in the organization’s history.
The ongoing conflict has caused over 47,000 deaths in Gaza, most of them women and children. The violence has created a humanitarian crisis and widespread destruction that will take years to repair.
