Egypt has condemned Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations agency for Palestinians, describing it as an “unacceptable disregard” for the UN, its agencies, and the international community.
On Monday, Israel officially notified the United Nations of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA, following a vote by Israeli lawmakers to bar the organisation, which is considered crucial for Palestinians.
“Egypt strongly condemns Israel’s withdrawal from the agreement governing the operations of UNRWA and its formal suspension of operations,” Egypt’s foreign ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook late Monday.
The ministry described the move as a “dangerous development” aimed at erasing the Palestinian cause, particularly the issue of refugees and their right of return. It further stated that the decision marked “a new chapter in Israel’s blatant and systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law.”
Last week, Israel’s parliament passed a law prohibiting UNRWA activities in Israel and East Jerusalem, areas where the agency runs schools, healthcare centres, and other vital services. A second law now forbids Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA, a move likely to severely impact the organisation’s operations and humanitarian efforts.
Egypt’s foreign ministry warned of “serious consequences for innocent Palestinian civilians”, saying the decision could lead to “the complete collapse of humanitarian efforts and vital services” provided by UNRWA.
The ministry held the Israeli government “fully responsible for the repercussions of this decision” and emphasised UNRWA’s role “cannot be replaced or dispensed with”.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated on Sunday that there is “no alternative” for the role of UNRWA in assisting Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA was created in December 1949 by the UN General Assembly following the initial Arab-Israeli conflict that erupted after Israel’s creation a year prior. It provides support to nearly six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
