The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) has urged UN Member States to support Norway’s initiative to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) condemning Israel’s recent ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

PRC welcomed Norway's leadership in this initiative, with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik holding consultations at the UN in New York to garner support for a resolution at the General Assembly seeking an ICJ advisory opinion to protect UNRWA’s operations. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stressed that the international community cannot remain silent while systematic obstacles hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid to occupied territories.

PRC called on all UN Member States to back this initiative and assist in introducing and passing the resolution at the General Assembly. It also encourages civil society organizations to pressure their governments and diplomatic missions to support Norway’s proposal and ensure ICJ intervention to address Israel’s actions.

PRC emphasized that Israel’s ban on UNRWA is part of systematic efforts to destroy the Palestinian people as a group, which serves as clear evidence of genocidal intent.

PRC warned that dismantling UNRWA would have devastating consequences not only for Palestinian refugees but also for regional stability and the enforcement of international law. While previous ICJ rulings have affirmed the obligations of Israel to facilitate humanitarian assistance, this initiative offers a crucial opportunity to hold Israel accountable for its actions and protect Palestinians’ rights under international law.

The Israeli Knesset recently passed legislation banning UNRWA operations in Israeli-controlled areas and halting all official cooperation with the agency, jeopardizing essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.

These developments occur amidst an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where two-thirds of UNRWA’s facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged by Israeli strikes, and over 240 UNRWA staff members have been killed. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the crisis as one of the darkest moments in the agency’s history, warning that there are no alternatives to its services.