ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top diplomat at the United Nations on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling it “irreplaceable” due to its vital role in serving millions of Palestinians.
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide education, health care and other services to Palestinian refugees and has long been a target of Israeli criticism. Since October 2023, Israel has accused it of facilitating Hamas activities, leading to its ban earlier this week on Monday.
The decision coincides with the deaths of nearly 180 UNRWA staff members in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, part of a broader toll of over 220 humanitarian workers killed. The situation has drawn global condemnation, with UN officials highlighting the unprecedented loss of life among aid workers.
“The passage of the bills by Israeli parliament concerning UNRWA is further evidence that Israel is doubling down on its genocidal war against Palestinians by cutting off the lifeline for the Palestinians provided by UNRWA and other UN entities,” Ambassador Munir Akram said, according to an official statement released by Pakistani diplomatic mission at the UN.
He maintained UNRWA was “irreplaceable, providing life-saving aid and support to millions.”
Nearly two million people in Gaza rely on the agency for aid, with about one million using its shelters for food and health care in the enclave. The agency has provided Palestinians with everything from food and health care to education and psychological support for decades.
“Any effort to diminish its role will have severe humanitarian and regional consequences,” Akram said.
Pakistan condemns Israel’s ban on UN agency serving Palestinians in occupied territories
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Pakistan condemns Israel’s ban on UN agency serving Palestinians in occupied territories
- UNRWA was established in 1949 to help Palestinians and has long been a target of Israeli criticism
- Pakistan’s ambassador to UN says Israel’s decision shows it is ‘doubling down on its genocidal war’