In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of draft laws prohibiting the activities of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considered the decision a “flagrant violation” of international law and a direct violation of the rules of international legitimacy, in light of the “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe to which the brotherly Palestinian people are exposed.”
Saudi Arabia affirmed its categorical rejection of the ongoing and systematic practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in political and military targeting of the United Nations agencies and its relief organizations, which constitutes part of its persistence in committing crimes of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, erasing the Palestinian identity, and stifling efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.
The Kingdom renewed its support and solidarity with UNRWA in its humanitarian mission to relieve Palestinian refugees in all fields, especially since the agency is one of the results of Security Council Resolution (194) of 1948, which is one of the legal and material constants in support of the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
The Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, approved a second law to sever ties with UNRWA and classify it as a terrorist organization, prohibiting relations between Israeli officials and the agency and stripping its employees of their legal immunity.
This law comes after a law passed earlier today prohibiting all UNRWA activities inside Israel, in a move that could affect its work in the Gaza Strip.
Together, the two laws pose a risk of paralyzing aid operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank at a time when Israel faces increasing pressure from the United States to increase aid to the Strip.
The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said on Monday that the Israeli Parliament’s approval by the Knesset of a law banning the agency’s activities in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem constitutes a “dangerous precedent.”
In a post on the
Source: RT
#Saudi #Arabia #condemns #Israels #decision #UNRWA #considers #flagrant #violation #international #law
**Interview with Dr. Fatima Al-Salem, Middle East Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Salem. The recent statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of laws against UNRWA activities has drawn significant attention. Could you elaborate on the Kingdom’s concerns regarding this decision?
**Dr. Al-Salem:** Thank you for having me. The Saudi government views the Israeli Knesset’s decision as a serious breach of international law. The adoption of laws that restrict UNRWA’s role in the occupied Palestinian territories poses a significant risk to vital humanitarian support for Palestinian people, who are already enduring extreme hardships.
**Editor:** The statement referred to this action as a “flagrant violation” of international legitimacy. What implications does this have for international relations in the region?
**Dr. Al-Salem:** This strong language underlines Saudi Arabia’s demand for adherence to international norms and the protection of human rights. It signals that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself firmly alongside the Palestinian cause, which may affect its interactions with not only Israel but also other nations involved in Middle Eastern politics. It could also resonate with broader Muslim sentiments on the issue.
**Editor:** You mentioned the humanitarian catastrophe faced by Palestinians. Can you provide some context on the challenges they are currently facing?
**Dr. Al-Salem:** The Palestinian people are experiencing dire humanitarian conditions due to the occupation, which has resulted in restricted access to basic needs such as food, clean water, and health services. The continued settlement expansion and military incursions further complicate their situation, leading to displacement and despair. The UNRWA plays a critical role in providing relief, so restrictions on its operations exacerbate an already dire scenario.
**Editor:** How might this Saudi condemnation impact future negotiations or collaborations within the region?
**Dr. Al-Salem:** It could harden positions among Arab states regarding cooperation with Israel, particularly if other nations align with Saudi Arabia’s stance. While some countries have pursued normalization with Israel, this kind of pushback highlights ongoing grievances and may stall diplomatic initiatives. It’s a reminder that resolution of the Palestinian issue remains a pivotal component for lasting peace in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Salem, for your insights. This situation certainly remains complex and evolving.
**Dr. Al-Salem:** Thank you for addressing such an important topic.
