UNGA resolution berates Israeli actions against UNRWA

NEW YORK: The United Nations General Assembly at its 55th plenary session passed a resolution, strongly supported by Pakistan, against the recent legislation by the government of Israel to limit UNRWA’s operations, hindering its ability to fulfill its mandate to support the Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) supports relief and human development of Palestinian refugees.

The UNGA resolution was supported by an overwhelming 125 members while six voted against it with 32 remaining absent.

The resolution was initiated by Uganda on behalf of G77 and China and supported strongly by Pakistan, the resolution strongly condemned the killing of UNRWA's staff and all acts of violence against the Palestinian civilians.

The resolution also berated the Zionist state for destroying installations, facilities and vehicles under the United Nations' flag and bearing the United Nations emblem, including the Agency's schools sheltering displaced civilians.

It requested the secretary general of the United Nations to explore all measures to enhance UNRWA’s operational security, especially in the conflict zones.

Moreover, oral amendments introduced by Israel seeking to defund UNRWA were rejected by the UNREA with overwhelming vote.