The European Union has condemned Israel’s decision to classify the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) as a “terrorist group.” High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell expressed deep concern over this move and urged the Israeli authorities to allow UNRWA to continue its work in accordance with its mandate.
Borrell emphasized the crucial role that UNRWA plays in humanitarian response in Gaza, and reaffirmed the EU’s support for the agency as its largest donor. He also condemned any attempts to classify a UN agency as a terrorist organization, and stressed the EU’s firm support for the United Nations and the rules-based multilateral global system that UNRWA is part of.
Israel has been critical of UNRWA in recent months, calling for an end to its mandate and urging other UN agencies and NGOs to take over its work. However, this proposal has been dismissed as unviable by the United Nations due to UNRWA’s importance in providing assistance to the Palestinian population and refugees in the region.
UNRWA was established in 1948 following Israel’s creation and has been operating since 1950. Its mandate was recently renewed until June 2026. The EU’s stance against this designation reflects its commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and upholding international law.
