Arab League backs Jordan’s proposal to confront 'Israeli' legislation against UNRWA
Arab League Council on Thursday adopted a Jordanian-led resolution aimed at garnering international support against new 'Israeli' Knesset laws seeking to ban UNRWA activities in occupied Palestinian territories.
This move counters the potential repercussions of the legislation, which threatens Palestinian refugees' rights and supports continued occupation.
Practical Measures to Counter Israeli Occupation Legislation
Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ambassador Dr. Sufian Qudah, stated that the resolution includes practical steps, such as convening a special UN General Assembly session to challenge these laws and issuing an international resolution rejecting unilateral 'Israeli' actions. Additionally, it calls for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to demand Israeli Occupation revoke its laws. Algeria, a non-permanent member of the Council, will spearhead this effort.
Importance of UNRWA and Jordan’s Role in Mobilizing Support
Ambassador Qudah emphasized UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees since 1949. Jordan has played a key role in rallying international support for UNRWA, working through global conferences and coordination with allies to secure both political and financial backing.
Arab League Resolution on Israeli Occupation's UNRWA Ban
The resolution includes a strong condemnation of 'Israeli' laws attempting to halt UNRWA operations, calling the legislation "null and void" under international law. It affirms that UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable and that Israeli Occupation efforts to assume its duties constitute a violation of international law aimed at undermining refugee rights.
The Arab League underscored that these 'Israeli' measures breach Israeli Occupation’s obligations as an occupying power under international law, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and the UN Charter. They also contravene Security Council Resolution 2730 (May 2024), which mandates 'Israel' to protect international institutions and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
'Israeli' Actions Constitute War Crimes, Say Protesters
The resolution highlights ongoing 'Israeli' attacks on UNRWA and its personnel, with at least 237 staff members killed and over 200 UNRWA facilities damaged in Gaza. It classifies such acts as war crimes and calls for accountability for those responsible.
The council praised Arab and international organizations that publicly denounced the Israeli Occupation legislation, reaffirming support for UNRWA as a crucial UN humanitarian agency.
Arab representatives in New York are now working with Algeria to convene a Security Council session under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to impose binding measures on Israeli Occupation, urging it to rescind its legislation. Additionally, efforts are underway to gather support from international parliamentary bodies to pressure Israeli Occupation’s Knesset to cancel its decisions against UNRWA.
