https://arab.news/762wb
- Foreign Ministry describes the decision as a 鈥榝lagrant violation of international law鈥� and an assault on international legitimacy
- It accuses Israel of attempting to erase the Palestinian identity through 鈥榚thnic cleansing,鈥� and of obstructing the peace process
RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Tuesday condemned a decision by the Israeli parliament that prevents the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from working in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, describing it as a 鈥渇lagrant violation of international law.鈥�
The criticism by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs came a day after Israeli lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to ban the agency鈥檚 operations in those areas.
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the Foreign Ministry said the decision was a direct assault on international legitimacy that disregards the 鈥渦nprecedented humanitarian catastrophe鈥� affecting the Palestinian people and obstructs the UN鈥檚 role in providing essential services.
鈥淭he Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of the continuous and systematic practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in politically and militarily targeting the United Nations鈥� agencies and its relief organizations,鈥� the ministry added.
It accused Israeli authorities of attempting to erase the Palestinian identity through 鈥渆thnic cleansing,鈥� and of obstructing efforts to establish a comprehensive peace process.
It reiterated 抖阴短视频鈥檚 unwavering support for UNRWA鈥檚 humanitarian mission, and pointed out that the agency鈥檚 mandate is rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 194, adopted in 1948, which enshrines the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA, which was established in 1949, provides vital aid, including educational, healthcare and social services, to refugees in Palestinian territories and neighboring countries.
In addition to banning UNRWA operations, the new Israeli legislation prohibits Israeli officials from cooperating with the agency or its employees.