Cairo – The League of Arab States announced yesterday, Wednesday, the holding of an emergency meeting on Thursday at the level of permanent delegates at its headquarters in Cairo, to respond to the Israeli ban on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories.
On Monday, the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) passed a law stating that “UNRWA will not have any representation, will not provide any service, and will not carry out any activity, directly or indirectly, in the sovereign territory of the State of Israel.”
According to the law, “The 1967 agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate in Israel will be cancelled, and consequently the agency’s activities in the country will cease and any contact between Israeli officials and its employees will be prohibited.”
The Arab League stated in a statement, “It was decided to hold an extraordinary session of its council at the level of permanent delegates on Thursday, under the presidency of Yemen, at the League’s headquarters in Cairo, to discuss the response to the Israeli occupation’s ban on UNRWA activities at the request of Jordan.”
On Tuesday, Jordan submitted a request to the League of Arab States to hold an emergency meeting at the level of permanent delegates, to discuss a joint response to the Israeli Knesset’s approval of legislation prohibiting the work of UNRWA in the sovereign territories of Israel, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Israel claims that UNRWA employees contributed to the “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack on October 7, 2023, and that “the agency’s education system supports terrorism and hatred,” which was later proven to be untrue.
On that day, Hamas attacked military bases and settlements near Gaza, killing and capturing Israelis. In response to “the daily crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people and their sanctities, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque,” according to the movement.
UNRWA was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, and was mandated to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operations: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
Over the years, UNRWA has faced a state of Israeli restrictions in an attempt to dismantle it, and within the framework of liquidating the Palestinian issue, according to UN and Palestinian officials.
In her first comment, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on Monday that the decision issued by the Knesset to ban our activities is “unprecedented, sets a dangerous precedent, and goes against the Charter of the United Nations.”
The Palestinians’ need for UNRWA services is increasing in light of the genocide launched by Israel in Gaza since October 7, 2023, which left more than 144 thousand dead and wounded, amid massive destruction and famine that claimed the lives of dozens of children.
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**Interview with Dr. Leila Ahmad, Middle East Expert and Analyst**
**Interviewer**: Good morning, Dr. Ahmad. Thank you for joining us today. The League of Arab States has announced an emergency meeting in response to Israel’s recent ban on UNRWA activities. What are the main implications of this decision for the Palestinian community?
**Dr. Ahmad**: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The implications of Israel’s ban on UNRWA are significant. UNRWA has provided crucial services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, and social services. By banning its operations, Israel not only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis but also undermines any efforts aimed at supporting Palestinian rights and well-being. This meeting by the Arab League is vital as it shows regional solidarity and a collective response to a violation of rights.
**Interviewer**: The Israeli Knesset’s law cancels the agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate in Israel. How might this affect the relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, especially Jordan, which initiated the emergency meeting?
**Dr. Ahmad**: This development could strain relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Jordan has a long-standing connection to the Palestinian issue, hosting a large population of Palestinian refugees. By taking a stand and requesting this meeting, Jordan is not only asserting its role as a mediator but also reinforcing the idea that Jerusalem’s policies regarding Palestinian rights are unsustainable. This could lead to increased tensions, particularly if other Arab nations align with Jordan’s response.
**Interviewer**: What actions might the League of Arab States consider during this emergency meeting?
**Dr. Ahmad**: The League could consider several actions, ranging from diplomatic measures like formally condemning the Israeli decision to leveraging international forums to garner broader support for Palestinian rights. Additionally, they may discuss potential financial or logistical support for Palestinian communities directly affected by the UNRWA ban. It’s essential that any actions taken reflect a united front and are geared towards long-term solutions for the Palestinian people.
**Interviewer**: Given the current geopolitical landscape, how likely is a collaborative Arab response to this crisis?
**Dr. Ahmad**: While there are challenges—such as differing national interests and priorities—this situation has the potential to unify Arab states around a common cause. The historical context of solidarity with the Palestinian people is strong within the Arab world. If the meeting is constructive, we may see cohesive actions that strengthen the Arab position regarding Palestinian rights on the international stage.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Ahmad, for your insights. It will be interesting to see the outcomes of the meeting and how they might influence the situation for Palestinians in the region.
**Dr. Ahmad**: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical issues, and I hope for constructive dialogue that leads to positive outcomes for the Palestinian people.
