Egypt condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli move to liquidate the Palestinian cause

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt has condemned Israel’s decision to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating anywhere within the occupation state and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“This unacceptable decision comes after a new chapter of flagrant and systematic Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law,” said the ministry on Monday. “The decision is a dangerous development through which Israel aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause and the refugee issue, including the right of return.” It is also, added the ministry, an “unacceptable disregard for the United Nations, its agencies, and the international community.”

Cairo stressed its support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land. It called for the international community to fulfil its duty to support the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of return, which is not subject to a statute of limitations and is guaranteed by international law.

Warning about the “dire consequences of this illegal decision” for defenceless Palestinian civilians, and the complete collapse of humanitarian work and vital services provided by UNRWA, Egypt said that it holds the Israeli government fully responsible for the repercussions of this decision.

The role of UNRWA, insisted the foreign ministry, cannot be eliminated or replaced. The UN Security Council, it added, must assume its role in maintaining international peace and security, especially with the “regrettable international inaction towards the daily suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the brutal war waged by Israel.”

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