Tunisia warns against dismantling UNRWA at UN General Assembly — Anadolu Agency

Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, speaking during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, said that his country rejects Israeli steps aimed at changing the historical and legal status of Jerusalem. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.

Jerusalem and UNRWA

Nafti said that Tunisia opposes Israel's unilateral actions in Jerusalem, including forced displacement, house demolitions, and attacks on Muslim and Christian holy sites.

He also condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and described Israel's actions in Gaza as “acts of genocide.” The minister called on the international community to respond to what he called a historic injustice against Palestinians.

According to the Tunisian foreign minister, attempts to dismantle the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or weaken its mandate are aimed at depriving Palestinians of the right of return and eliminating the Palestinian cause.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

At the end of 2024, the Israeli parliament passed legislation restricting UNRWA's operations. The agency was later ordered to vacate its headquarters in East Jerusalem, while Israeli authorities raided and shut down other UNRWA premises in the city.

Syria and irregular migration

Nafti also condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and expressed hope that Syrians would be able to preserve the unity and sovereignty of their country over its entire territory.

Speaking about irregular migration, the minister called for a comprehensive and balanced approach that takes into account the human and historical dimensions of the problem rather than focusing solely on security. Such an approach, he said, should consider conflicts, poverty, economic and social inequality, a lack of jobs and development, as well as human trafficking.

Tunisia, according to Nafti, rescues irregular migrants on land and at sea, provides them with assistance, and coordinates voluntary returns with the International Organization for Migration while protecting their dignity and rights. At the same time, the country refuses to be a transit country or a place of residence for irregular migrants.