Manama: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's decision to ban the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Saturday.

According to Jordan News Agency, in a statement, the Russian foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the decision, calling it "highly disappointing" and deserving of condemnation. The statement stressed that Moscow is convinced the mission of UNRWA, which has for decades provided vital support to Palestinians in the occupied territories and neighboring countries, should continue. It further emphasized that the agency's work is crucial until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.