Turkey Slams Israel’s UNRWA Ban: A Reckless Move That Defies International Law

Reuters

Turkey’s foreign ministry said on October 29 that Israel’s decision to ban the UN relief agency UNRWA from operating inside the country was a clear violation of international law aimed at preventing displaced Palestinians from returning home .

Israel’s parliament passed a law on October 28 to ban UNRWA from operating inside Israel, alarming some of Israel’s Western allies who fear this will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the move was aimed at disrupting efforts to find a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, adding that UNRWA was providing essential aid to Palestinians.

“The legal and moral implication of the international community is to take a strong stance against attempts to ban UNRWA, established by the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly,” the ministry said.

“As Chair of the UNRWA Funding Working Group, Türkiye will continue to provide political and financial support to the Agency,” he added.

Turkey has been fiercely critical of Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. He has suspended all trade with Israel, applied to join a genocide case against Israel at the World Court, and has repeatedly called for an end to Western support for Israel along with international measures to stop its attacks.