Foreign Ministry briefs members of the diplomatic corps on risks of Israeli Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA operations

RAMALLAH, November 4, 2024 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Monday briefed members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine on the risks arising from the Israeli Knesset's decision to prohibit the operations of the UN relief agency (UNRWA) and on the diplomatic efforts underway to address this issue.

This came during a special session held at the ministry's headquarters in Ramallah, chaired by Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The meeting was attended by ambassadors, consuls and representatives from over 45 countries and international organizations.

Minister Shahin voiced her profound concern over the Israeli Knesset's designation of UNRWA as a "terrorist" organization, slamming it as a clear violation of the basic rights of Palestinian refugees. She warned that such actions endanger regional stability and undermine international humanitarian principles.

She urged all countries to reevaluate their relationships with Israel and to exert pressure on it to ensure adherence to international law. Furthermore, she emphasized the essential importance of maintaining ongoing support for UNRWA.

She urged donor countries to reaffirm their commitment to the Palestinian people and to work towards securing emergency funding for the agency to guarantee the continuous provision of its services.