islamabad: Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s recent attempt to dismantle the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday evening.
The ministry said the move was a further violation of international law and the United Nations Charter by Israel.
The ministry added: “Obstructing UNRWA from carrying out its vital mission is a manifestation of Israel’s systematic campaign to deny much-needed humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.”
According to the ministry, Pakistan called on the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to hold Israel accountable and protect UNRWA’s activities in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 302(IV) of 1949.
The statement stressed that Israel’s actions are a calculated effort to deny vital aid to Palestinians, especially those in the Gaza Strip.
In light of the humanitarian crisis, Pakistan also reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to alleviate human suffering. Earlier on Monday, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed a law banning UNRWA from operating in Israel.
Israel’s state-run Kan TV News reported that the new law was passed with the support of 92 out of 12 members of parliament, despite opposition from the United States and several European countries.
The law provides that UNRWA does not perform any agency services, provide services, or perform any acts.
Any activity, directly or indirectly, within Israeli territory.
