Qatar slams Israeli attempt to classify UNRWA as a terrorist organization

Qatar has condemned Israel’s move to classify the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees as a terrorist organization, the Qatar News Agency reported on Sunday.

The Gulf state described the action as an attempt to undermine the agency’s diplomatic immunity and criminalize its humanitarian efforts at a time when the need for its services is paramount given Israel’s war in Gaza.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to stand firm in the face of Israeli plans to shut down the agency and deprive millions of Palestinians of vital services in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for UNRWA, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. These include the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

UNRWA, which coordinates nearly all aid to Gaza, has been in crisis since January when Israel accused about a dozen of its 13,000 Gaza employees of being involved in the Oct. 7 attack.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan issued similar condemnations on Saturday.