“The Security Council must stand with Israel and condemn these attacks,” said Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador.

“Candle lighting is more than a burning flame,” Danny Danon said at an event marking the holiday at the United Nations. “It is a true declaration that darkness can be driven out.”

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli hailed the move as a “courageous and critical decision by the Swedish government.”

Yonatan Samerano was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023 by a Hamas terrorist who was also an UNRWA employee.

The agency’s exit from Jerusalem is a “historic moment” and “the end of the era of disgrace,” said Knesset member Dan Illouz.

“We could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” said deputy US ambassador Robert Wood.

More than 10% of UNRWA principals and senior educators in Gaza are members of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, according to Israeli NGO IMPACT-se.

“It’s been over a year and the United Nations hasn’t lifted a finger to free the hostages,” said dual Israeli-French national Mia Shem.

Last week, the Knesset made it illegal for UNRWA to operate in Israeli territory, and for state officials to cooperate with the agency.