Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Indonesia has strongly condemned Israel's move to undermine the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by labeling it a "terrorist organization."

On 22 July 2024, the Israeli Parliament Knesset approved three bills in their first reading that, if enacted, would effectively ban UNRWA's operations in Israel. These bills include banning UNRWA from operating in Israel, revoking its staff's immunity and special rights, and designating the agency as a "terrorist organization," requiring Israel to sever cooperation with it.

In its statement on Wednesday (25/7/2024), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced these actions, stating they would strip Palestinian refugees of their right to return to their homes. Indonesia reaffirmed its support for UNRWA and urged the international community to uphold the agency's humanitarian mission for millions of Palestinians, according to antaranews.com.

In response, Indonesia has pledged to increase its annual voluntary contribution to UNRWA by $1.2 million starting in 2024 and provided an additional $2 million in grants for the UNRWA Flash Appeal for April-December 2024. 

Other countries, including Palestine, Turkey, and Jordan, have also criticized Israel’s move.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)