A structure inside the UNRWA headquarters is demolished in East Jerusalem. Photo : AFP
In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry described the move as a blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions and an unacceptable breach of the immunity and property of UN institutions.
Egypt reiterated its full support for the work of UNRWA and all humanitarian and relief organisations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. Moreover, the ministry emphasized the crucial role these agencies play in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and the civilian population.
It expressed Cairo's deep concern over the unprecedented restrictions and violations faced by these institutions. These restrictions, the ministry added, prevent these institutions from performing their duties and adversely impact the delivery of humanitarian aid and services. They also constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the rules protecting UN institutions and humanitarian workers.
Additionally, UNRWA plays a central, essential, irreplaceable, and indispensable role as the UN agency responsible for providing educational, health, and relief services to millions of Palestinian refugees, the ministry stressed. It cautioned against any attempts to undermine the agency’s existence or diminish its role, arguing that such attempts constitute a serious infringement of the rights of refugees. They also aim to absolve the international community of its responsibilities toward them, the statement added.
Egypt called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to ensure the protection of humanitarian institutions and their personnel. It also urged it to provide the necessary conditions for these institutions to carry out their work unhindered, and to prevent any actions that could undermine UNRWA’s role or infringe upon its mandate.
Cairo affirmed that UNRWA’s existence is closely linked to the Palestinian cause and the global historical commitment to the refugee issue until a just and lasting solution is reached. These commitments, Cairo reiterated, include, primarily, guaranteeing Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homeland in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194 and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.
Furthermore, Egypt emphasized its full and unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. It singled out the right to establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.
On Tuesday, Israel demolished UNRWA's headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in the occupied East Jerusalem and raised an Israeli flag over it.
The demolition followed years of politically driven attacks by Israel against the UN agency. These attacks have intensified since Tel Aviv launched its brutal and genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.
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