24 Jul. 24: Jordan has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to classify the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization, calling it a violation of international law and Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power.
In a statement issued by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, to the New Arab the decision by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, was an “attempt to kill the agency, assassinate it politically, and target its symbolism.” The ministry emphasized UNRWA’s critical role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, which is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict since October 7 of the previous year.
The statement also urged the international community to continue supporting UNRWA politically and financially to ensure its humanitarian mission persists until a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
The Knesset passed three bills on Monday aimed at shutting down UNRWA and labeling it as a “terrorist” organization. These bills will require two additional readings to become law. Previously, in May, the Knesset approved a preliminary motion for a bill with the same designation.
Israel has been actively campaigning for the closure of UNRWA, the only UN agency specifically mandated to address the needs of Palestinian refugees. Established by a UN resolution in 1949, UNRWA operates in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees.
