Statement

The State of Palestine condemns Israel’s revocation of the visa of United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ms. Lynn Hastings. This is a clear and unacceptable violations of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power and UN Member State. 

This hostile action also clearly demonstrates Israel’s utter disregard and disdain for the United Nations and its invaluable work in Palestine. It also further proves the occupier’s determination to escalate its policy of starvation and collective punishment against the Palestinian people while denying them any assistance or hope, which UN humanitarian organizations provide. 

Israel has attacked protected United Nations buildings and killed more UN staff than in any other situation in the organization’s history. Instead of abiding by its obligations under international law, the occupier resorts to the deliberate and consistent maligning, verbally abusing, and disruption of the work of UN organizations and officials. This objectionable strategy must be confronted and unequivocally condemned by all States.

United Nations and other humanitarian staff must be protected and allowed to work free of harassment, attacks, and threat to their lives. This is the collective duty of all States.