MCE Condemns Israel's Announcement to Confiscate UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the Israeli authorities' decision to confiscate the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, suspend its operations, and the plan to build a settlement in its place. 

The Council asserts that this action poses a serious threat to the established historical and legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its absolute rejection of any attacks on humanitarian facilities or any actions that endanger the lives of their staff. At the same time, the Council commends the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in supporting the Palestinian people, who continue to face severe humanitarian challenges due to the prolonged Israeli occupation.

The Council renews its call to the international community and all relevant actors to intensify and unify their efforts to bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and to halt illegal practices that undermine the two-state solution and jeopardize the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Furthermore, the Council urges the international community to step up its efforts in providing urgent humanitarian and relief assistance to civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, alleviating their suffering.