PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemns Israel ban on UNRWA operations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned Israel’s actions aimed at obstructing UNRWA’s operations in occupied Palestinian territory.

The Prime Minister emphasized that preventing critical relief assistance from reaching millions of helpless Palestinians is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, according to the Foreign Office statement.

Israel’s actions are being seen as a systematic campaign to deny much-needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. The Foreign Office has reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, allowing for unhindered humanitarian assistance to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

Pakistan has unequivocally condemned Israel’s latest attempt to dismantle UNRWA’s operations, labeling it another Israeli violation of International Law and the UN Charter, FO statement added.

The Foreign Office is urging the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to hold Israel accountable and ensure UNRWA’s unimpeded operations, as outlined in UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 1949.

The relationship between Israel and UNRWA has long been contentious, with Israel accusing UNRWA of supporting Palestinian militant groups, such as Hamas.

However, a recent independent review found that Israel had not provided evidence to support claims that significant numbers of UNRWA employees are members of terrorist organizations.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with UNRWA playing a critical role in providing humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians. The international community must come together to ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital work without obstruction.