
Statement of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the issuance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories
July 21, 2024
Statement of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs Regarding the Signing of the “Beijing Declaration” by Palestinian Factions for Reconciliation
July 24, 2024The Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA) strongly condemns the approval by the Israeli Knesset, in the first reading, on July 22, 2024, of bills classifying the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. The Council affirms that this unprecedented designation comes within the framework of the systematic incitement campaign practiced by the Israeli occupation force against UNRWA and its affiliates, which has emerged clearly at a time when the Palestinian people are in dire need of the efforts of this agency, especially with the war of genocide against the Palestinian people, and the complete collapse of all humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip, in addition to that the ratification itself represents a confirmation of the Israel’s firm intention to liquidate the Palestinian cause, foremost of which is the issue of refugees and their inherent right of return. The agency has been established by Resolution No. 302 of 1949 in connection with this case.
The Council also stresses that this action is a further challenge to the international community and a violation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, in particular Security Council Resolution 2730 adopted on 24 May 2024, which obliges States to respect and protect United Nations institutions and humanitarian workers, which applies to UNRWA institutions and personnel.
The Council notes that UNRWA has a well-known role in providing education, health care and assistance services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and that the Israeli accusations against the organization have no legal or field basis in support of them, especially since many donor countries to the organization have resumed their funding to the organization, after a temporary suspension as a result of the false Israeli accusations.
The Council therefore stresses the need for the international community, States and active institutions to confront the Israeli action by strengthening support for UNRWA in order to help it continue its humanitarian and moral role towards the Palestinian people.