Brussels 10.05.2024 The EU condemns the two arson attacks on the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem on 9 May, which happened at a time of increasing escalation and a growing campaign against the agency and the UN system at large, reads the European External Action Service press statement.

“We call on the Israeli authorities to ensure the security and safety of UN staff and its premises in line with its obligations under international law and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“UNRWA services and humanitarian aid in Gaza and across the region are essential and play a crucial role in ensuring stability.

“The EU also condemns recent statements by Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Arieh King, which appear to incite further attacks against diplomatic premises.

“We call on the Israeli authorities to take the necessary measures to prevent this from happening.

Previously a Jerusalem deputy mayor has called for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to be expelled out of Israel, and a bipartisan group of Knesset members have signed a petition urging the agency be defunded.

“It’s not surprising that they’re [UNRWA] allowing themselves to not accept, not respect Israeli law here in Jerusalem. They’re building illegal buildings, they have petrol stations in places they’re not allowed to have, and it’s time that the Israeli Government allows us, the Municipality of Jerusalem, to pass a law against UNRWA,” said Deputy Mayor Arieh King. “We expect the Government of Israel to just kick them out of Israel and specifically from Jerusalem,” he added.