Palestine – The Palestinian presidency announced, yesterday, Tuesday, its intention to move politically to discuss the possibility of holding a session of the United Nations Security Council, against the backdrop of the Israeli Knesset’s approval of legislation prohibiting the work of UNRWA in the sovereign territories of Israel, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, reported that “the Palestinian presidency decided to move urgently and immediately, with the countries hosting Palestinian refugees, in order to discuss the possibility of going to the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, including international organizations and the Human Rights Council, considering the issue of UNRWA is a political issue related to the right of return.”
The presidency said, according to the agency, that the decision regarding the presence of “UNRWA is linked to resolving the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.”
The Presidency appreciated “the positions of the group of countries that expressed their concern about the repercussions of this dangerous and unacceptable Israeli trend, which defies international will, and its call on the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations, preserve the privileges and immunities of UNRWA without prejudice, and fulfill its responsibilities,” according to “Wafa.”
The Palestinian presidency called on those countries to “take serious decisions to stop the Israeli tampering, which will lead to more tension and instability.”
It held the Israeli government “full responsibility for the serious repercussions of this decision.”
She continued that without a just solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, “all the dangerous and unacceptable Israeli aggressive practices that are taking place will not bring security and stability, but rather will increase the flames and tension in the region.”
The Israeli law, which was approved by the Knesset on Monday evening, in the second and third readings, stipulates 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, where its activity will be stopped.” In East Jerusalem.
According to the law, the 1967 agreement, which allowed UNRWA to operate in Israel, will be cancelled, and thus the agency’s activities in the country will cease and any contact between Israeli officials and its employees will be prohibited.
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, the Palestinian faction movement 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.
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 cause, 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.”
Lazzarini considered the ban on the agency’s services to be “collective punishment” because it is a decision that will lead to “deepening the suffering of the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, where people have lived for more than a year of hell.”
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.
Israel continues the genocide, ignoring the UN Security Council resolution to stop it immediately, and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the miserable humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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**Interview with Dr. Samir Al-Hakim, Political Analyst and Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Hakim. The Palestinian presidency has proposed moving to the United Nations Security Council in response to recent legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset that restricts UNRWA’s operations. What do you think prompted this decisive political move?
**Dr. Al-Hakim:** Thank you for having me. The urgency of this situation is highly reflective of the escalating tensions in the region, particularly following the Knesset’s approval of the new law which essentially shutters UNRWA’s operations in Israel and East Jerusalem. This step is significant because UNRWA plays a critical role in providing services to Palestinian refugees. The Palestinian leadership is reacting to what they perceive as a direct threat not only to their rights but to international humanitarian norms.
**Editor:** The Palestinian leadership has emphasized the importance of international support. How crucial is it for them to engage with countries hosting Palestinian refugees and the international community at this juncture?
**Dr. Al-Hakim:** It’s crucial. The call for international action highlights the necessity for diplomatic support and solidarity against this legislation. By galvanizing other nations, the Palestinian presidency is attempting to create a unified front that could influence international discourse and put pressure on Israel to reconsider its position. They are appealing to the global community’s sense of justice and humanitarian responsibility, arguing that the rights of refugees must not be compromised.
**Editor:** The statement from the presidency also noted responsibility lies with the Israeli government regarding potential repercussions from this law. What kind of repercussions are we likely to see, both regionally and internationally?
**Dr. Al-Hakim:** The repercussions could be significant both in the region and beyond. Politically, we may see heightened tensions and increased protests among Palestinians, which could lead to instability. Internationally, if the UN Security Council or even the General Assembly takes action, it could damage Israel’s diplomatic standing and provoke responses that might isolate them further on the global stage. Moreover, humanitarian impacts are likely, as an abrupt halt to UNRWA’s operations could exacerbate the living conditions for many Palestinians, leading to further unrest.
**Editor:** what do you believe are the chances of success for the Palestinian leadership in this endeavor at the UN? Will it lead to a tangible solution?
**Dr. Al-Hakim:** The success of their efforts will depend largely on the political will of other nations and the international community’s reaction to Israel’s actions. Historically, the UN has faced challenges in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict due to geopolitical dynamics, but mobilizing global opinion on humanitarian grounds could create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Nonetheless, achieving a tangible solution requires serious commitment from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, along with sustained international engagement on the ground.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Hakim, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation is delicate, and the coming days will be crucial for all parties involved.
**Dr. Al-Hakim:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep a close eye on developments.
