ANKARA, January 30, 2025 (WAFA) – Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday decried Israel’s ban on the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories.

“Israel’s decision to ban the activities of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories is a blatant violation of international law,” the Ministry said in a press statement.

“We condemn this step, which marks a new phase in Israel’s policies of occupation and annexation aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from their own land,” it added.

“It is also evident that, with this decision, Israel seeks to deprive Palestinian refugees of their right to return to their own land.”

It stressed that “UNRWA, established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 and operating with the strong support of UN member states, provides humanitarian aid and essential services to millions of Palestinians under the most challenging conditions.”

It called on the international community to “support UNRWA and to take the necessary steps towards regional peace.”

It reiterated that it “stands unwavering in its support of UNRWA and in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.”

K.F.