Cairo, December 21, 2024 – Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has warmly welcomed the overwhelming vote of 137 countries in the United Nations General Assembly in favor of a draft resolution urging the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an advisory opinion concerning Israel's allegations of terrorism against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Israeli authorities’ decisions to prohibit its operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. This resolution, which aims to seek clarification on the legality of Israel's actions, marks a significant moment in the ongoing international debate surrounding Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid.
In a statement released today, Aboul Gheit expressed deep appreciation for Norway’s initiative in submitting the resolution, acknowledging Oslo’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He specifically commended Norway for its steadfast commitment to defending Palestinian rights on the global stage. The resolution, which was passed with strong backing, demonstrates the broad consensus among the international community in rejecting Israel’s attempts to restrict the work of UNRWA, an essential body that provides vital services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries.
Aboul Gheit also emphasized the importance of this resolution as a powerful reflection of global public opinion, which strongly opposes the actions of the occupying authorities in their efforts to terminate UNRWA’s operations within Palestinian territories. He underlined the significant consequences that such efforts would have on the humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza. The Arab League Secretary-General voiced grave concern that reducing or halting the operations of UNRWA could lead to a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where millions of Palestinian refugees rely heavily on the agency for essential services, including healthcare, education, and relief assistance.
The Secretary-General’s statement also highlighted the broader implications of this international support, noting that it reinforces the global community’s commitment to preserving the rights of Palestinian refugees and ensuring continued humanitarian assistance in the region. Aboul Gheit’s comments underscore the vital role that UNRWA plays in maintaining stability and providing critical aid in the face of ongoing challenges. As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the Arab League continues to advocate for international efforts to protect the agency’s operations and uphold Palestinian rights under international law.
The vote in favor of the resolution comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly in relation to the status of Palestinian refugees and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution's call for an advisory opinion from the ICJ is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring that international law is upheld in the face of actions that threaten the humanitarian rights of the Palestinian people.