UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed grave concern over the legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, which bans the operations of a United Nations (UN) relief agency in Israel.

This legislation risks making the essential work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for Palestinians impossible, Mr Starmer said in a statement.

It also risks “jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank,” he said.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is simply unacceptable,” the statement said.

“We need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and a significant increase in aid to Gaza.”

The statement further emphasised Israel’s obligations under international law.

Only UNRWA can deliver humanitarian aid at the scale and pace needed, Mr Starmer said.

He paid tribute to UNRWA staff who have lost their lives in the conflict and urged Israel to ensure that the agency can continue to deliver its essential work.

(Xinhua/NAN)