Arab League Secretary-General Condemns Israeli Decision Regarding UNRWA

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon October 21, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit strongly condemned Israel's decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and the occupied territories, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.
Aboul Gheit stated that the decision represents a judgment that "will confiscate the future of millions of Palestinians." He emphasized that this move is part of a long-term strategy by Israel to undermine the agency's role, tarnish UNRWA's international reputation, and cut off its funding sources.
UNRWA offers essential educational and health services to more than 5.5 million Palestinian refugees, ensuring their access to vital support and resources.
He emphasized that the decision sets a dangerous international precedent, noting that UNRWA was established by a UN resolution in 1949, making the UN General Assembly responsible for its operations.
Aboul Gheit specifically urged the Security Council's member states to address this grave decision, emphasizing that the humanitarian efforts in Gaza will be rendered entirely inoperable if UNRWA's activities are prohibited or its role is ignored.