Israel’s parliament has made a decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from the country within the next 90 days. This move goes against the pressure from the US and other international groups to keep UNRWA in place as the main provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Israel.
The Knesset voted 92-10 late on Monday to prohibit UNRWA from conducting any activities or providing services within Israel, including areas like east Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. Additionally, the Israeli lawmakers labeled UNRWA as a terror group, essentially cutting off direct communication between the UN agency and Israel.
The new legislation, although not immediately effective, is expected to result in the closure of UNRWA’s headquarters in east Jerusalem and would hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through Rafah. It would also prevent the coordination between Israel’s military and UNRWA for aid shipments, impacting over 1.9 million displaced Palestinians and leading to shortages of essential resources in Gaza.
Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for UNRWA, expressed outrage over the decision, emphasizing the organization’s critical role in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, called the vote unprecedented and warned of dangerous consequences for Palestinian civilians, especially in Gaza.
The US State Department voiced deep concern about the ban and urged Israel to reconsider implementing the legislation, highlighting the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in aiding Gaza. It’s worth noting that US law restricts military aid to countries that impede US humanitarian assistance, although enforcement is rare.
The ban on UNRWA was supported by members of the Yisrael Beiteinu and Likud parties, following allegations by Israel that UNRWA staff in Gaza were involved in attacks by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the importance of holding UNRWA workers accountable for terrorist activities while ensuring continued humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In response to the Hamas attacks, Israel launched military operations in Gaza, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties. The UN investigated the allegations, leading to the dismissal of nine UNRWA employees and a temporary halt in funding from the US and EU.
Established in 1949, UNRWA provides aid to Palestinian refugees displaced after the Arab-Israeli war and serves millions of Palestinians across Israel and neighboring countries. The agency’s work is crucial for delivering essential services like education, healthcare, and fuel distribution, especially in Gaza and the West Bank.
Foreign ministers from Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom have expressed opposition to the ban on UNRWA, warning of devastating consequences on the already critical humanitarian situation in the region. They emphasized the importance of UNRWA’s neutrality and called for continued support for the organization’s reform efforts.
Despite the challenges ahead, international allies are committed to monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The decision to ban UNRWA from Israel raises concerns about the future of humanitarian assistance in the region and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
