Jordan’s king urges opposition to Israel’s campaign against UN agency

During talks with Estonia's president, Abdullah calls on international community to oppose Israel’s restrictions on UNRWA

By Laith Al-Jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (A) – Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Monday urged the international community to oppose Israel’s recent actions targeting the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

The remarks came during his meeting in Amman with Estonian President Alar Karis, who arrived on Sunday for a four-day official visit, according to a statement from the Jordanian Royal Court.

Abdullah called for global opposition to Israel’s “escalatory actions” against the agency, stressing its essential role in supporting Palestinian refugees.

Israel officially notified the UN on Sunday of its decision to withdraw from an agreement with the UNRWA, citing “security concerns.”

In a letter to UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the withdrawal concerns the 1967 agreement governing the agency’s support for Palestinian refugees.

The withdrawal will take effect after a three-month transition period.

In discussions with Karis, Abdullah also emphasized the urgency of boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring its safe delivery and distribution to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

He warned of “the potential for regional escalation, which could lead to a broader conflict.”

On Oct. 28, Israel banned UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, accusing agency employees of complicity in last year’s Hamas attack. The UNRWA denied the allegations, reaffirming its neutrality and exclusive focus on refugee aid, and noted that no other organization could effectively fulfill its role.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since an attack last year by Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

More than 43,000 people have been killed, most of them women and children, and over 102,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

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

*Writing by Mohammad Sio

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