The Elders warn today that a sustained ceasefire and recovery in Gaza are at risk if Israel ends cooperation with UNRWA on 30 January, in line with the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset in October.  

After fifteen months of war and at least 46,000 Palestinians killed, the massive surge in humanitarian relief and the restoration of essential services that are so urgently needed now rely on UNRWA as the indispensable agency in Gaza.   

If implemented, the legislation would prohibit contact between UNRWA and Israeli authorities, ending the de-confliction needed for safe operations in Gaza. It could also end UNRWA’s ability to operate across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.   

To do so at the very moment when a ceasefire is opening the way for recovery in Gaza and the welcome release of all Israeli hostages would be morally reprehensible.    

UN member states have a duty to defend UNRWA against this serious attack, which violates the UN Charter. A mandate given by the General Assembly, and reaffirmed in the resolution passed on 5 December, cannot be revoked by a national parliament. UNRWA remains essential until there is a just solution for Palestinian refugees, and its functions are transferred to a Palestinian entity as part of a peace settlement. 

Member states should impose targeted sanctions if the Israeli government implements the legislation, given it constitutes a clear violation of international law with grave consequences.  

We regret that US funding to UNRWA remains suspended, and that Sweden decided to stop funding the agency in December. European and Arab states must stand by their commitments to provide political and financial support to UNRWA at this critical time. UNRWA has been independently investigated and is taking action in light of those investigations to ensure its continuing neutrality.  

There is a stark choice ahead: a pathway to peace and mutual security for Israelis and Palestinians, or deepening occupation, annexation and renewed bloodshed.  

We welcome the support of President Trump for the ceasefire. We urge him to apply effective pressure on the conflict parties to move towards a peace settlement based on a two-state solution. We also encourage him to reconsider his reversal of US sanctions on extremist Jewish settlers in the West Bank. Provocative settler violence threatens Israel’s security and jeopardises the chance for a real breakthrough following the ceasefire. 

Regional stability and prosperity can never be achieved without a just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian question. All parties must comply with their obligations to bring an end to both Israel’s unlawful occupation and attacks on Israeli civilians, and ensure security and self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis alike.  

About The Elders

The Elders are independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.

The Elders are Ban Ki-moon (Deputy Chair), Gro Harlem Brundtland, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Denis Mukwege, Mary Robinson, Juan Manuel Santos (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo.

Lakhdar Brahimi, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Ricardo Lagos and Muhammad Yunus are Elders Emeritus.

Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) and Kofi Annan (1938-2018) were founding members of The Elders and served as Chairs from 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018 respectively. Ela Bhatt (1933 – 2022) and Martti Ahtisaari (1937 – 2023) were members of The Elders from 2007 to 2016 and 2009 to 2018 respectively. Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) was also a founding member between 2007 and 2016.