Egypt condemns Israel withdrawal from UNRWA 1967 agreement as disregard for UN

Ahram Online , Tuesday 5 Nov 2024

Egypt has strongly condemned Israel's withdrawal from the 1967 agreement governing the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the subsequent official cessation of its activities, describing the action as a disregard for the UN, its institutions, and the international community.

Foreign Ministry Headquarters
Egyptian Foreign Ministry Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. AFP

 

Egypt asserted that this unacceptable Israeli decision marks a new chapter in Israel's systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. 

It constitutes a serious development aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause, specifically the refugees issue and the right of return, the statement read.

Emphasizing its support for the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land, Egypt reiterated the importance of the international community's commitment to supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, especially their right of return, which remains valid under international law and human rights conventions.

Egypt also warned of the severe humanitarian consequences of this illegal decision on unarmed Palestinian civilians and the potential for a complete collapse of essential humanitarian and vital services provided by UNRWA.

Furthermore, the statement added that Egypt held the Israeli government fully accountable for the decision's repercussions, affirming that UNRWA's role is irreplaceable.

It also called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfil its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, given the international community's regrettable inaction toward the daily suffering of the Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli hostilities.

In addition, Egypt urged the international community to take a firm stance against these Israeli actions, which limit services that alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.

Earlier Monday, Israel announced it terminated the 1967 agreement that facilitates the work of UNRWA, the main aid provider in Gaza per the legislation it passed in October.

The agency provides education, health, and other basic services to Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war and their descendants, who now number nearly six million.

Refugee families make up the majority of Gaza’s population.

On Wednesday, the UNSC expressed "grave concern" over the Israeli ban.

Israel has repeatedly blocked aid delivery by UNRWA to the strip since 7 October, killing more than 200 of its staff and bombing tens of UNRWA facilities used as shelters by Palestinians fleeing Israeli airstrikes.

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