Turkey says Israel’s move to ban UNRWA violates international law
Turkey has condemned Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the country, calling it a violation of international law.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that Israel’s decision was “unacceptable” and “unlawful.”
“We call on the Israeli government to reverse its decision immediately and to uphold its obligations under international law,” the statement said.
UNRWA provides humanitarian assistance and education to Palestinian refugees in the Middle East. The agency was established in 1949 to help Palestinians displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of perpetuating the refugee problem by not finding lasting solutions for Palestinian refugees. It also claims that the agency is biased against Israel and supports Palestinian terrorism.
The Israeli government announced its decision to ban UNRWA on Tuesday. The decision came after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The ban is set to take effect on May 31, 2023.
The United States has also condemned Israel’s decision. The U.S. State Department issued a statement saying that it was “deeply concerned” about the ban and called on Israel to reconsider its decision.
“We are concerned about the potential impact of this decision on the well-being of Palestinian refugees,” the statement said.
UNRWA has called Israel’s decision “a major blow” to the Palestinian refugee community. The agency said that it would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Middle East.
“We are deeply disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to ban UNRWA,” said the agency’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
“This decision will have a devastating impact on the lives of Palestinian refugees who rely on our services.”
The Palestinian Authority has also condemned Israel’s decision, calling it a “crime against humanity.”
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the ban would “increase suffering and deprivation” for Palestinian refugees.
“This is a dangerous and irresponsible move by the Israeli government,” the statement said.
“We urge the international community to condemn this decision and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.”
The decision to ban UNRWA has been met with widespread international condemnation. Many countries and organizations have expressed concern about the potential impact of the ban on the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the ban at a meeting later this week.
The decision to ban UNRWA has heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It also comes at a time when peace negotiations between the two sides are stalled.
Experts have warned that the ban could further destabilize the region and increase the risk of conflict.
It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Israel’s decision. However, it is clear that the ban has triggered a major diplomatic crisis.
