Pakistan, eight Muslim nations condemn Israeli raid on UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem

Pakistan, along with eight other Muslim countries, has condemned the Israeli military’s attack on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, stating that the agency’s schools and medical centres serve as a lifeline for refugees in Gaza.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Foreign Office, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates said in a joint declaration that UNRWA plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights of Palestinian refugees.

The joint statement noted that for decades, UNRWA has been providing protection, education, healthcare, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees.

The recent renewal of the agency’s mandate for another three years by the UN General Assembly reflects the international community’s continued trust in the organisation.

The foreign ministers strongly condemned the Israeli forces’ incursion into UNRWA’s headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, calling it an unacceptable act of violence and a blatant violation of international law and the sanctity of UN premises.

The statement added that the attack also contravenes the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion issued on 22 October 2025, which called on Israel to refrain from obstructing UNRWA’s operations.

Emphasising the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian aid through UNRWA’s network in Gaza, the ministers said the agency’s schools and medical facilities remain a lifeline for refugees.

The joint declaration further stressed that UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable, as no other organisation possesses the infrastructure and expertise needed to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees.

Any weakening of the agency’s capacity would have severe social and political repercussions in the region.

The ministers urged the international community to ensure sustainable and adequate funding for UNRWA, stating that support for the agency is essential for protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to the issue is achieved.