Egypt's former ambassador to Israel, Atif Salem, has stated that Israel has been working to destroy the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In a recent interview with Egyptian journalist Ahmed Moussa on the "On My Responsibility" program aired on Sada El-Balad TV, Salem claimed that Israel has been trying to undermine UNRWA, which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees.
According to Salem, Israel has been trying to create problems for Egypt by supporting Ethiopia. He alleged that Israel has received significant support from the United States, both in the past and recently. Salem also mentioned that Egypt is opposed to the displacement of Gazans, which he described as a "red line." He added that this issue has created a crisis for Israel and the United States.
Salem further explained that Israel wants to eliminate UNRWA's role in Gaza, where the agency provides assistance to Palestinian refugees. He noted that UNRWA's founding resolution calls for the return and compensation of displaced Palestinians, which Israel seeks to abolish. The agency currently has a caseload of 6 million Palestinian refugees.
The former ambassador also discussed Israel's approach to Palestinian migration, which it refers to as "free movement." Salem argued that this is a tactic to circumvent international law and justify its actions against the Palestinian people in Gaza. He claimed that some Israelis believe they are not subject to human laws due to their perceived special status.
Salem also touched on the relationship between Israel and other countries, citing Greece as an example. He stated that Greece had no relations with Israel until 1990 but has since developed strong ties with the country. Salem suggested that national interests often take precedence over rights and principles.
The former ambassador also discussed Israel's interest in the Nile River and its water resources. He mentioned that some Israeli books have claimed that Egypt's water resources are dwindling and that Ethiopia has gained control over the Nile. Salem also recalled a 2012 proposal by Israeli President Shimon Peres to redistribute water resources in the region, which would have increased Egypt's water share fivefold.
Salem concluded by stating that Israel continues to pursue its goals, including gaining access to the Nile River and promoting the displacement of Palestinians. He argued that Israel's plans, including the fragmentation of Palestinian territories, will continue to pose challenges to Egypt and the Palestinian people.
Key points
- Israel seeks to destroy UNRWA and undermine its role in Gaza.
- Egypt opposes the displacement of Gazans, which has created a crisis for Israel and the US.
- Israel continues to pursue its goals, including gaining access to the Nile River and promoting the displacement of Palestinians.
