Israel’s Measures against UNRWA Deeply Alarming: OIC

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Jeddah, 29 January, 2025 - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed serious concern regarding potential actions the Israeli occupation may undertake against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). These actions may arise from the implementation of legally dubious statutes enacted by the Israeli Knesset, which aim to undermine the agency's operations in occupied Al-Quds. Such measures could involve the revocation of UNRWA's privileges, the cessation of necessary facilities, and the prohibition of official engagement with the agency. This situation poses a significant threat to UNRWA's capacity to fulfill its mandate across the occupied Palestinian territory, constituting a blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and relevant UN resolutions.

The OIC stated that these actions are indicative of the broader strategy by the Israeli occupation to undermine the Palestinian Cause and revoke the right of return for Palestinian refugees. It underscores the essential role of UNRWA, which is considered critical from both a humanitarian and relief standpoint. UNRWA serves not only as a testament to the collective international commitment to the rights of Palestinian refugees but also as a stabilizing factor in the region.

The OIC emphasized the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in the context of Palestinian refugee rights and asserted that recent Israeli legislation and procedural measures lack legitimacy. It highlighted that the ongoing targeting of UNRWA facilities, personnel, and the thousands of displaced individuals seeking refuge in its schools by the Israeli occupation will not alter the established legal status of Palestinian rights and UNRWA's mandate as defined by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions. 

Moreover, the OIC reiterated its appeal to the international community, urging it to fulfill its obligations to end the Israeli occupation and halt colonial settlement activities in the Palestinian territories, including East Al-Quds. It called for accountability regarding the continuous violations and crimes attributed to these actions and insisted on the necessity of enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights. This includes their right to self-determination, the actualization of sovereignty for the State of Palestine over the territory occupied since 1967, with Al-Quds recognized as its capital, and the right of return for refugees as outlined in UNGA Resolution 194. – OIC News