The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized Israel’s decision to ban the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling it "deeply disappointing" and deserving of condemnation.

The ban, which took effect on Thursday, prohibits UNRWA’s operations within Israel and territories under its control. Russia warned that the move could have severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinians and reaffirmed its support for UNRWA’s role in safeguarding the rights of refugees.

"For decades, UNRWA has been a pillar of support for the Palestinian people, guaranteeing their fundamental rights," the ministry stated, adding that the agency should continue its work until a lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is achieved.

Israeli government spokesman David Mentzer announced on Wednesday that UNRWA offices were to close within 48 hours and all contact with the agency would cease. The United Nations reported that Israel had shortened visas for all international UNRWA staff, forcing the agency’s East Jerusalem office to relocate to Amman, Jordan.

The Israeli Knesset passed legislation banning UNRWA’s activities in October 2024, alleging that some of the agency’s staff were complicit in the October 2023 Hamas attack. However, the UN maintains that Israel has not provided any evidence to support these claims.

The decision has drawn widespread criticism from the international community, with concerns raised over the impact on humanitarian efforts for Palestinian refugees. (ILKHA)