Saudi Arabia accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing

Saudi Arabia has criticised the law passed by the Knesset (parliament) banning the activity of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Israel.

The bill was supported by 92 Israeli MPs, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

"This represents a blatant violation of international law that disregards an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and undermines international legitimacy," the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated, also accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing.

"Saudi Arabia firmly rejects the ongoing systematic actions by Israeli authorities, both political and military, that undermine the activity of the United Nations and its agencies," the Saudi Foreign Ministry added.        

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN Member States, with a portion of its budget coming from the United Nations' Regular Budget, mainly allocated for international staffing expenses. 

The Agency provides a range of services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services, improvements to camp infrastructure, microfinance, and emergency assistance, particularly during armed conflicts.

By Naila Huseynova