Indonesia condemns Israeli move to ban UN agency for Palestinian refugees

By Anadolu staff

Indonesia on Tuesday condemned the Israeli decision to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and said it has resulted in the disruption of relief operations in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

In a statement on X, the country's Foreign Ministry said Israeli parliament's move clearly violates and contradicts the UN Charter and the 1946 Convention on the immunities of UN agencies.

"UNRWA is an agency mandated by the United Nations to serve an irreplaceable role in providing education, healthcare, and aid to millions of Palestinian refugees. Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting UNRWA in discharging its mandate," said the statement.

Indonesia urged the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to immediately halt Israel's actions and ensure its compliance with obligations under international law, UN Security Council resolutions, and the ICJ rulings to end the occupation in Palestine.

The statement came after the Israeli Parliament passed a bill Monday that would ban the main UN agency aiding Palestinians. The vote saw 92 out of 120 Knesset members in favor, with 10 opposed.

A separate bill, which was approved by lawmakers in a 87-9 vote, mandates that Israel cut all ties with UNRWA, barring any cooperation or privileges the agency previously held.

The legislation will take effect in 90 days.

The Israeli army has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border incursion by Hamas last October, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Over 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and more than 101,100 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid