14 million Palestinians shouldn't be punished over UN allegations, says Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR - Parliaments in Arab and Muslim countries, as well as those that uphold democracy and human rights, should take firm action in response to recent decisions by the Israeli parliament.

Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali said 14 million Palestinians should not have to "pay the price" because of accusations that some members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were Hamas' supporters.

"Even if there are some individuals who were Hamas supporters or Hamas activists, will the rest of Palestinians, the 14 million Palestinians, pay the bill because of that?

"How can this be justified by the Israeli lawmakers, the Israeli parliamentarians and other parliaments around the globe," he said when met at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Taman U Thant, here, recently.

He criticised the action of the Israeli parliament passing a legislation banning UNRWA's activities in occupied Palestinian territories.

Walid said the legislation sparked condemnation from numerous countries, including several in Europe and the United States.

He added that even the Malaysian government has issued a statement condemning this move, joining many other Arab and Muslim countries in expressing their opposition.

He called on people worldwide to show solidarity with Palestinians and welcomed global actions like boycotts of Israeli products and economic sanctions, viewing these as meaningful ways to challenge Israel's ongoing violations of international law.

"Any action is very much welcomed by us as Palestinians. Putting pressure on Israel, trying our maximum to stop the Israeli violation of international law," he added.

He said the Israeli government’s occupation of Palestinian territories remained a fundamental obstacle to peace.

He added that true stability in the Middle East can only be achieved when Israel and its supporters recognised Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"Without the Israelis and those who support Israel recognising our rights on this issue, the Middle East will continue to suffer and will continue to be unstable in terms of peace and security," he said.

Previously it was reported that Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said Israel will end its cooperation with the UNRWA.

The decision followed a recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament banning operations of UNRWA in occupied Palestinian territories.