Barran Press
The Arab League on Monday strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset's decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories.
An emergency meeting, convened at the request of Jordan and supported by all Arab states, was chaired by Yemen's acting permanent representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Ali Mousa.
The meeting, attended by Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki, discussed the grave implications of this illegal Israeli move. The Arab League issued a statement unequivocally condemning Israel's defiance of international calls to halt this legislation, emphasizing that any Israeli actions against UNRWA in East Jerusalem are illegal and void.
The statement highlighted that the collapse of UNRWA would have devastating consequences, placing an immense burden on host countries and exacerbating existing economic and social crises. It further emphasized that such actions would undermine the very foundations of international peace and stability.
The Israeli Knesset approved a bill in November 2024 aimed at halting all UNRWA activities in the West Bank and Gaza. UNRWA currently provides vital services to over 5.5 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.