Jordan condemns Israeli Knesset's attempt to ban UNRWA in occupied Palestine

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday condemned the Israeli Knesset's attempts to ban UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories and preventing its staff from obtaining diplomatic visas. 

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel seeks to exclude UNRWA from privileges and immunities granted to UN organisations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah said that these attempts, following the Knesset's previous designation of the agency as a terrorist organisation, represent a "systematic targeting of UNRWA and its vital role in providing humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees."

The official described these Israeli attempts as "illegal and represent a blatant violation of international law". 

He also called for an international action to protect the UN and humanitarian organisations, operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.