SYRIZA “unequivocally condemns the Israeli bill to ban the activities of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in Israel, which was approved by the Knesset.”
In particular, the Foreign Policy Department of SYRIZA, in its statement, states that “this provocative decision by Israel comes as a result of the declaration by Israel of UN Secretary General A. Gutiérrez as “persona non grata”.
As he emphasizes, “Israel’s ban on the presence of UNRWA, which according to the UN Secretary-General violates the Charter of the United Nations and international law, creates a dangerous precedent. It prevents the ceasefire and deprives the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the wintering Palestinian people.”
SYRIZA-PS calls on the international community, especially the UN and the EU as well as all international actors, “to react immediately and effectively, and through the imposition of sanctions on the Netanyahu government, in order for the Israeli side to immediately withdraw this unacceptable bill, to take the necessary steps to meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza and to end its peace-threatening policy in the Palestinian area.”
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**Interview with a SYRIZA Representative on the Recent Knesset Decision**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss SYRIZA’s condemnation of the Knesset’s recent bill regarding UNRWA. Can you explain why SYRIZA believes this decision is a significant concern for international law and human rights?
**SYRIZA Representative:** Absolutely. Our Foreign Policy Department unequivocally condemns the Israeli government’s decision to ban the activities of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. This bill, we believe, not only violates the Charter of the United Nations and international law but also sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this decision by Israel follows the declaration of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata.” How do you see this impacting the relationship between Israel and international bodies such as the UN?
**SYRIZA Representative:** This development further strains Israel’s relationship with international organizations. By effectively silencing the UN’s humanitarian efforts in the region, Israel risks isolating itself politically and morally. We call on the international community to respond with urgency to ensure that humanitarian aid flows unimpeded and that the rights of people in Gaza are upheld.
**Interviewer:** SYRIZA is urging the international community, including the EU, to react with sanctions against the Israeli government. How do you envision this playing out in the context of international diplomacy, and do you think it could lead to actual change?
**SYRIZA Representative:** While we believe that sanctions can serve as a powerful tool for accountability, the hope is that they will compel the Israeli government to reconsider its actions. Diplomatic pressure must coincide with actions that support human rights and humanitarian needs, thus prompting Israel to change its policies in favor of peace and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** Given these developments, how do you think the average reader or citizen should respond? What role do they play in this situation?
**SYRIZA Representative:** Citizens have a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for humanitarian principles. Engaging in discussions, mobilizing for advocacy campaigns, and petitioning representatives can amplify pressure on governments to act. Ultimately, the public’s voice can be a catalyst for change, pushing leaders to prioritize human rights and humanitarian needs over political agendas.
**Interviewer:** what do you think the broader implications of this issue are for public perception in Greece and beyond? Could this lead to a shift in how international conflicts are perceived and addressed?
**SYRIZA Representative:** Indeed, public perception plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy. As citizens become more informed about the complexities and humanitarian crises, there may be a shift towards a more compassionate and justice-oriented approach to international conflicts. This could encourage more countries to take a stand against rights violations and push for effective, peaceful resolutions.
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What are your thoughts on SYRIZA’s call for sanctions against the Israeli government? Do you believe that international pressure can lead to meaningful change in the region, or are there alternative approaches that should be considered?