Cairo, Egypt – The Arab League issued a strongly worded official statement condemning Israel’s recent violation against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). It considered these actions a serious threat to the human and legal rights of Palestinians.
The statement affirmed that any Israeli attempts to pressure the agency or obstruct its humanitarian work in the occupied Palestinian territories constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Particularly in the Gaza Strip, it represents a blatant breach of UN resolutions concerning the protection of refugees.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League pointed out that UNRWA represents a vital safety net for millions of Palestinian refugees. He asserted that any harm to the agency would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation and increase the suffering of civilians. He called on the international community to intervene immediately to ensure the agency’s continued operation without hindrance.
The statement also stressed the need to hold accountable any party that attempts to restrict the freedom of action of international organizations. It called for an end to the Israeli escalation, which threatens the stability of the region and undermines humanitarian relief efforts. It affirmed that the Arab League will continue to closely monitor the situation and raise its voice in defense of the rights of the Palestinian people.
This condemnation comes at a time of growing concern about the impact of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid access. There have been repeated warnings of an impending humanitarian catastrophe if the rules governing the operation of international agencies in Gaza are not respected.
