"The Knesset's (Israeli parliament) decision to ban UNRWA is contrary to the spirit of humanity and worsens the Palestinian refugee crisis," he added.
He described the move as a serious violation of the human rights of Palestinian refugees, considering that UNRWA has been playing a vital role in helping the refugees affected by the prolonged conflict.
"We are witnessing the restriction of the international agency that has been a mainstay for millions of Palestinian refugees in accessing education, health, and other basic assistance," he said.
According to Sukamta, the law to ban UNRWA is a step to further limit the rights of Palestinian refugees, increase suffering, and potentially trigger a greater humanitarian crisis in the region.
He pointed out that UNRWA has provided crucial assistance to more than five million Palestinian refugees in Palestine and neighboring countries.
"(With) The ban on UNRWA operations, the fate of Palestinian refugees becomes increasingly uncertain," he added.
"If this law comes into effect, refugees' access to education, health, and basic assistance will be increasingly limited, which has the potential to increase poverty levels, limit education, and health vulnerabilities among Palestinian refugees," he added.
He also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to call for a firm rejection of Israel's move.
"We will coordinate with various friendly countries to pressure Israel to revoke this law for the sake of humanity and protection of the rights of Palestinian refugees," Sukamta said.
Indonesia, he added, will continue to encourage diplomatic steps at the international level to urge Israel to repeal the law.
"Indonesia, through its membership in various international forums, will continue its commitment to supporting Palestine and protecting the rights of refugees affected by the conflict," he affirmed.
Despite warnings from the UN and the international community that efforts to restrict UNRWA activities could constitute a violation of international law, the Israeli parliament passed the bill prohibiting UNRWA activities on October 28, 2024.
The law states that "UNRWA will not operate any representative office, will not provide any service, and will not carry out any activity, directly or indirectly, in the territory of the State of Israel."
Israel's move drew global condemnation, including from Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, with all of them emphasizing UNRWA's "irreplaceability" for the Palestinians.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the law would be detrimental to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to peace and security in the region as a whole.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira Khalida, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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