Palestinians have refugee status because of Israel

According to Michelle Moshelian (Letters, September 23rd) UNRWA and Arab states are guilty of not helping Palestinians ‘lose’ their refugee status.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 was adopted on December 11 1948 and has been reaffirmed every year since.

Article 11 of the resolution states that Palestinian refugees “…wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so…”

On the May 11, 1949, Israel was accepted into the United Nations by General Assembly Resolution 273.

This resolution contained a preamble recalling Resolution 194 which Israel, in accepting membership, agreed to comply with.

Israel and its supporters continually blame others for the extended plight of Palestinian refugees, yet these refugees would ‘lose’ their refugee status if Israel abided by international law, ended the occupation and colonisation of Palestinian lands, and acknowledged the Palestinian right of return.

Jack O’Neill

Carrigtwohill,

Co. Cork