Earlier the Israeli parliament passed legislation banning UNRWA’s operations in Israel, halting aid services in Gaza
News Desk
TEL AVIV: Israel has officially informed the United Nations of its decision to cancel the longstanding agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been in place since 1967. This notification follows recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, which bans UNRWA from operating within Israel and prohibits Israeli authorities from cooperating with the organization, known for providing essential aid and educational services to millions of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Israel’s criticism of UNRWA has a long history, stemming from its establishment in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The Israeli government accuses the agency of perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians and exhibiting bias against Israel. In light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which intensified after the outbreak of war in October 2023, Israeli officials have also alleged that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas and accused some of its staff of participating in the October 7 attacks on Israel.
This legislative move has raised concerns among the United Nations and several of Israel’s Western allies, who fear that the ban will exacerbate the already critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli forces have been engaged in prolonged conflict with Hamas militants. Although the legislation does not explicitly prohibit UNRWA’s operations in the Palestinian territories, which are recognized under international law as occupied, it significantly hampers the agency’s ability to function in these regions. The Israeli foreign ministry has indicated plans to expand the activities of other international organizations and to prepare for a complete severance of ties with UNRWA, while promoting alternatives to its services.
