Proposed programme budget for 2025: section 26, Palestine refugees

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• This resolution, adopted in the context of Israel's post-October 7th war against Hamas, clearly targets Israel even though it does not mention either Israel or Hamas by name. It fully endorses UNRWA, whose employees perpetrated atrocities on October 7, 2023, stating that "no organization can replace or substitute the capacity and mandate to serve Palestine refugees."
• Furthermore, the resolution criticizes "legislative Actions that aim to obstruct the Agency's operations," clearly referring to the November 2024 Israeli Knesset legislation banning UNRWA.
• The resolution also strongly condemns the killing of Agency staff and the destruction of UN property. Since Israel is the party attacking in Gaza and the resolution fails to hold Hamas accountable either for starting the war or for embedding itself in the Gaza civilian infrastructure in violation of international law, including by launching rockets from, storing weapons in, and constructing tunnels under schools and hospitals, there is no doubt the condemnation is directed at Israel.
• Moreover, Israel called for a vote on the resolution and voted against it.

Main Sponsors

Group of 77 and China

Vote

Yes - 125, No - 8, Abstain - 32, Absent - 28

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Expresses deep concern over recent legislative actions that aim to obstruct the Agency’s operations, which significantly hinder the Agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate, and recalls in this regard General Assembly resolution ES-10/25 of 11 December 2024."
• "Condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of Agency staff and all acts of violence against civilians..."
• "Condemns in the strongest possible terms the destruction of installations, facilities and vehicles under the United Nations flag."