Yemen chairs an emergency meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of permanent representatives.

The Chargé d’Affaires of Yemen to the Arab League, Ambassador Dr. Ali Mousa, chaired an urgent meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of permanent representatives. The meeting focused on the recent dangerous and unlawful laws passed by the Israeli Knesset, which threaten to ban the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Concerns Over Israeli Legislation

During the meeting, Ambassador Dr. Ali Mousa expressed Yemen’s strong condemnation of Israel’s adoption of laws that restrict UNRWA from carrying out its humanitarian work. He emphasized that these actions represent a severe infringement on humanitarian principles and international laws, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Call for International Action

Ambassador Mousa renewed his call for the international community and the United Nations Security Council to intervene. He urged for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety, stability, and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and relevant international resolutions and agreements.

Support for UNRWA’s Mission

Yemen reaffirmed its full support for UNRWA and its critical humanitarian role in providing assistance to the Palestinian people. The ambassador highlighted the catastrophic consequences that would arise from withholding humanitarian aid from Palestinians in the occupied territories. He noted that using humanitarian assistance as a weapon against them constitutes a serious violation of their rights and international humanitarian law.

Violations of International Law

The ambassador pointed out that the Israeli Knesset’s enactment of laws prohibiting UNRWA’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories and denying its staff diplomatic privileges is a violation of international law. He stressed that these actions undermine Israel’s obligations as the occupying power. The ban on UNRWA’s activities could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

The Importance of UNRWA Services

Ambassador Mousa stated, “The services provided by UNRWA are not merely assistance; they include education, healthcare, social services, and protection for Palestinian refugees. These services are indispensable, and the issue of Palestinian refugees and their right to return to their homes, as guaranteed by international law and relevant UN resolutions, cannot be ignored.”

Urgent Measures Needed

The ambassador called for strict and deterrent measures against Israel to ensure the protection of the defenseless Palestinian people and the safety of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations operating in the region.

This urgent meeting reflects Yemen’s commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and addressing the challenges posed by recent Israeli legislative actions.

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