LONDON 

The governments of Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain issued a joint statement Monday condemning Israel’s decision to pass a law banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the country, which could affect its work in Gaza. 

In a strongly worded statement, they underscored the critical importance of UNRWA’s work, which provides essential aid and support to millions of Palestinian refugees.

The statement said the agency’s work is "essential and irreplaceable," especially amid recent escalations of the conflict in Gaza that have left civilians in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

The law could severely restrict the agency’s ability to operate within the occupied territories, potentially depriving Palestinian refugees of crucial services.

The four countries warned that the Israeli Knesset or parliament’s decision has far-reaching implications.

"The legislation approved by the Knesset sets a very serious precedent for the work of the United Nations and for all organizations of the multilateral system," the statement said, expressing deep concern about the move's impact on international humanitarian operations.

The four countries reiterated their intention to ensure the agency's “viability” and pledged continued collaboration with global partners to uphold UNRWA’s humanitarian mandate.