Saudi Arabia condemns the demolition of UNRWA buildings in occupied Jerusalem
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation authorities' demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed in an official statement that these actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international resolutions, and a blatant transgression against the sanctity and status of UN buildings, which are guaranteed by international humanitarian law.
Systematic targeting of humanitarian work
This firm Saudi stance comes within the context of the Kingdom's continued rejection of all unilateral measures taken by Israel, which aim to undermine peace efforts and alter the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Kingdom emphasized that targeting UNRWA facilities is not merely an attack on buildings, but a direct assault on the vital humanitarian work the agency provides to millions of Palestinian refugees who depend on it for education, health, and social relief.
UNRWA: The historical witness to the refugee issue
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) holds special significance beyond its relief role; it stands as the living international witness to the Palestinian refugee issue since its establishment by a UN General Assembly resolution in 1949. The agency operates in five areas: the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In recent years, UNRWA has faced existential challenges and repeated Israeli attempts to terminate its operations, particularly in Jerusalem, in an effort to erase the refugee issue and deny the right of return guaranteed by international resolutions.
The firm Saudi position and the call to the international community
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its call to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities in halting these ongoing violations and providing the necessary protection for the Palestinian people and humanitarian organizations operating in the occupied territories. The Kingdom emphasized that continued international silence regarding these practices emboldens the occupying authorities to commit further violations that threaten security and stability in the region.
In closing its statement, Saudi Arabia affirmed its unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people in their just cause, and its support for all efforts aimed at reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.
