The Muslim World League (MWL) has strongly condemned the decision by the Israeli parliament to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This move, enacted by the Israeli Knesset, has been met with international criticism and raises serious concerns about the humanitarian implications for Palestinian refugees.
The Muslim World League, a prominent international non-governmental organization representing Muslims worldwide, issued a strong statement denouncing the ban. His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL, reaffirmed the organization’s full support for UNRWA and its vital humanitarian mission in providing aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
The MWL views the Israeli parliament’s action as part of a pattern of systematic violations targeting UN institutions and undermining international resolutions concerning the rights of the Palestinian people. The statement emphasized the critical role UNRWA plays in providing a lifeline to millions of Palestinian refugees, offering essential education, healthcare, and social services.
Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa called for concerted efforts from countries, organizations, and individuals across the globe to confront what the MWL perceives as ongoing Israeli aggression. The organization urged the international community to uphold international and humanitarian laws and to ensure the continued operation of UNRWA in its mandated areas.
The ban by the Israeli parliament follows accusations by Israel that some UNRWA staff were involved in the events of October 7th, 2023. While UNRWA has taken action against those implicated and an independent review found neutrality-related issues but no evidence for Israel’s main allegations, Israel has proceeded with the ban.
The MWL’s condemnation adds to the growing international outcry against the Israeli decision. Various organizations and countries have warned of the dire humanitarian consequences of hindering UNRWA’s work, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, where the agency provides crucial assistance to a significant portion of the population. The move is seen by many as further complicating the already fragile situation in the region and potentially undermining prospects for peace.