Riyadh (IP) – Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's decision to seize and occupy land housing the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds. The move, which aims to transform the site into a settlement, has drawn sharp criticism from the kingdom.

Iran Press/ West Asia: In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed "condemnation and strong denunciation" of a blatant violation of international laws and United Nations resolutions.

"The ministry reaffirms the kingdom’s rejection of Israel’s continued violations, which flagrantly contravene international laws and its ongoing political and military targeting of United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations," the statement read.

The ministry further highlighted the potential dangers faced by UNRWA staff and other humanitarian workers as a result of Israel’s actions. "These measures also endanger the lives of those working in these organizations, particularly UNRWA staff, who are carrying out essential humanitarian duties for Palestinian refugees."

International Response

Israel's decision has sparked widespread concern, with many fearing it will further destabilize the region and jeopardize the work of international organizations providing aid to vulnerable Palestinian populations. Saudi Arabia has called on the international community to pressure Israel into halting its encroachments on UN facilities and to respect the legal status of such agencies.

UNRWA, which provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region, has long faced challenges in the context of the Israeli genocide in Gaza. This latest move by Israel marks another obstacle in the agency’s ability to operate freely.

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