Statement from We Believe in Israel on Labour's Policy Shift Regarding Israel

 

Reconsidering UNRWA Funding: Implications for UK Policy and Peace Efforts

It is with considerable concern that we address the recent deliberations within the Labour Party regarding a potential shift in policy on Israel, as highlighted by The Guardian on 16 July 2024. In an era where moral clarity is often obscured, we must be unequivocal about the potential ramifications of such a shift, particularly in the context of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UNRWA’s history is deeply problematic. The organisation has long been entwined with Hamas, a terrorist entity proscribed by the UK. Israeli intelligence has repeatedly flagged instances where UNRWA facilities and resources have been co-opted by Hamas operatives for terrorist activities, including the horrific attacks on 7 October 2023, where UNRWA employees were allegedly involved​. Such affiliations are not just incidental; they are symptomatic of a systemic issue within UNRWA that cannot be ignored.

Moreover, the educational materials disseminated by UNRWA have been found to contain virulent antisemitic content and calls to violence. These are not mere oversights but deliberate indoctrination efforts that poison young minds against Jews and Israel. This is antithetical to the principles of peace and coexistence that we, as a society, hold dear​​.

Reinstituting funding to UNRWA under these conditions would send a dangerous signal. It would place the United Kingdom in a precarious position, directly contravening its own laws which rightly proscribe Hamas as a terrorist organisation. To support an entity with such evident ties to Hamas is to risk inadvertently legitimising an organisation known for its violent extremism—an organisation that is, it must be noted, proscribed under British law.

While we understand and support the UK government’'s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, it is imperative to recognise that UNRWA is not the vehicle for such endeavour. To view it as such defies logic and undermines genuine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

We urge the British government and Parliament to reconsider any movement towards refunding UNRWA. Instead, let us seek alternative means of support that uphold our values and security, fostering an environment conducive to true peace and human dignity.

In these times, it is crucial that our actions reflect a steadfast commitment to both morality and pragmatism. Let us ensure that our support does not perpetuate violence but rather, builds a foundation for lasting peace.

We Believe in Israel Team