GUE/NGL has condemned the decision of the US administration to end all funding to UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA was created in 1949 to assist Palestinians forcefully displaced due to the creation of the state of Israel.

Israel and the US have been seeking the dissolution of UNRWA in order to weaken the right of return of Palestinian refugees.

Cypriot MEP Neoklis Sylikiotis, chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine (DPAL) and vice-chair of GUE/NGL, condemned the announcement:

“This decision of the Trump administration to cut funding to UNRWA is disgraceful and shows that the US President is not serious about peace. Trump’s decision undermines the perspective of the two-state solution and the peace process as it follows his early decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. His refusal to condemn settlement construction and his unconditional military and political support for Israel are the biggest threats to peace and justice in the region today.”

“Every day, about 5 million Palestinians depend on UNRWA for access to basic services. Their human rights should not be subject to political considerations. President Trump is showing utter disregard for international law and UN resolutions.”

“The EU must assume its responsibility and support UNRWA with additional funds in order to help cushion the impact of loss of US funding until alternatives are found, and help pave the way for the peace process, ” Sylikiotis concluded.