Fourth Committee -- Explanation of vote on A/64/13, A/64/13/Add.1, A/64/115, A/64/519, A/64/323, A/64/324 and A/64/174, "UNRWA" (Agenda Item 31)

Mr. Amir Weissbrod
Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs
19 November 2009

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I wish to reiterate Israel’s support for UNRWA’s humanitarian mission. Israel will continue to do its utmost to facilitate UNRWA’s operations while maintaining its own essential security. We welcome the comments made by Commissioner-General Abu Zayd that highlighted the ongoing close coordination between UNRWA and Israeli officials in the field and regret that this element, along with many others, is not reflected in the resolutions in front of us.

This simple fact shows the problem of the resolutions we have just voted against. They are not really about the reinforcement of UNRWA’s humanitarian work, but about bashing Israel. These resolutions are one sided, ignore the security challenges that Israel is facing from Gaza, and the fundamental problem of a terrorist organization who is working from within civilian areas and in proximity to UN installations. These resolutions fail to mention Hamas by name, its cruel methods of fighting Israelis and putting the life of Israelis and Palestinians at risk. They fail to mention the obstructions and difficulties UNRWA is facing in the Gaza strip by this terrorist organization and many more aspects.

For these reasons and others, we voted against these resolutions.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.