Arab Parliament Condemns Israeli Takeover of UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem

CAIRO: The Arab Parliament has strongly condemned the decision by Israeli authorities to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem and convert it into a housing settlement. The planned development is set to include 144 housing units, intensifying concerns over the continuous violations against Palestinian rights and international humanitarian efforts. According to Jordan News Agency, the move by Israel represents a significant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions that protect the rights of Palestinians and the operations of international organizations like UNRWA. The Arab Parliament emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to halt these actions, which they described as aggressive and unlawful encroachments on Palestinian territories and institutions. The Arab Parliament also reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for the realization of the Palestinian people's fundamental rights, i ncluding self-determination, the right of return, and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. They highlighted UNRWA's crucial role in providing essential humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees and stressed the importance of respecting and protecting the agency's mission amidst the ongoing conflict. The statement further called on global leaders and organizations to respond to these developments by reinforcing their support for justice and peace in the region, ensuring respect for established international norms and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.