Arab and European countries, as well as international organizations, condemned on Tuesday the Israeli Knesset’s vote on a law that prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ant?nio Guterres, expressed his deep concern regarding the Knesset’s adoption of two laws related to UNRWA, which, if implemented, would prevent UNRWA from continuing its core operation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, under the mandate issued by the United Nations General Assembly.
Guterres affirmed in a statement that “national legislation cannot change these commitments,” warning that “the implementation of these laws will harm the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and threaten peace and security in the region.”
He said that the implementation of these laws would have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestin
ian territories, which is unacceptable, calling on Israel to act in accordance with its obligations under the United Nations Charter, international law, including international humanitarian law, and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, pointed out that UNRWA represents a “lifeline for Palestinians,” and the Israeli Knesset’s decision to ban it “will have devastating consequences.”
For their part, Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Slovenia confirmed in a joint statement that “UNRWA has a mandate from the United Nations General Assembly” and that its operations is essential and indispensable for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, especially in Gaza, according to Euronews.
They stated that they will continue to work with donor and host countries to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations and its important humanitarian role in the region, pointing out that “the legislation passed by the Knesset sets
a very dangerous precedent that threatens the work of the United Nations and all multilateral system organizations.”
For its part, Egypt condemned, in a statement, the Israeli approach that not only commits crimes against unarmed Palestinian civilians but also seeks to restrict all efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people caused by Israeli policies and practices.
Furthermore, Egypt called on the international community and the UN ecosystem, led by the Security Council, to take a firm stance to confront the ongoing and systematic Israeli crimes and violations.
It said that this step comes as part of a long series of Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and reflects an unacceptable disregard for the international community and the United Nations.
Additionally, Iraq condemned Israel’s actions to ban the UNRWA’s operations.
Iraqi government spokesperson, Basim Al-Awadi, stated in a statement that UNRWA bears the responsibility of supporting a
nd aiding an entire refugee population, and that banning its operations threatens the safety and lives of millions of civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
The Iraqi government called on the international community to uphold its humanity, take responsibility under international humanitarian law, and take serious steps to stop these grave humanitarian violations.
Source: Jordan News Agency