The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its regret on Saturday over the US decision to lift the legal immunity of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing the need for states to respect all their obligations under the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, including the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Organization and its Institutions.

In a statement, the organization emphasized the vital, indispensable, and irreplaceable role of this UN agency, which constitutes a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has been witnessing a genocidal war for 17 months.

The organization called on the United States to reconsider its decision regarding UNRWA, resume funding, and pressure Israel, the occupying power, to fulfill its obligations toward this UN agency, which reflects the international community's commitment and responsibility to provide basic services to Palestinian refugees and protect their rights until UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 194, are implemented.

The organization also renewed its call on the international community to put an end to the crimes of genocide, starvation, and siege perpetrated by the Israeli occupation, and to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.