Israel’s Knesset, the unicameral legislature of the country, has passed legislation that effectively prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within its territory. The decision reflects growing tensions surrounding humanitarian aid in the region and raises concerns over the implications for Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA has long been under the scanner of Israel over its alleged involvement in the October 7 attacks.
The Knesset voted overwhelmingly in favor of two key bills: the first bans UNRWA from operating any representative office or conducting activities within Israeli territory, while the second prohibits any state authorities from having contact with the agency in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These bills passed with majorities of 92 to 10 and 87 to 9, respectively, which highlight strong support for these bills in the Israel Parliament.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, condemned the Knesset’s decision as “unprecedented” and a dangerous precedent that undermines both the UN Charter and Israel’s obligations under international law.
“These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell. It will deprive over 650,000 girls and boys there of education, putting at risk an entire generation of children. These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment,” he further went on to say.
UN Secretary General António Guterres also condemned the passing of the legislature, saying that, “The laws adopted today by the Knesset of Israel would likely prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with devastating consequences for Palestine refugees.” The UN Secretary-General also criticized the legislation, stating that it amounts to collective punishment and would adversely affect over 650,000 children in Gaza.
He emphasized that the bills would deepen the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where many depend on UNRWA for education, food, and medical care.
Importantly, while the laws will not take effect for three months, their potential to disrupt UNRWA’s operations is significant. UNRWA is vital for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where cooperation with the Israeli military is essential for delivering aid. The legislation severely limits the agency’s ability to function effectively in an already strained environment.
The legislation has elicited strong responses internationally. A joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, expressed grave concern over the legislature.
“It is crucial that UNRWA and other UN organizations and agencies be fully able to deliver humanitarian aid and their assistance to those who need it most, fulfilling their mandates effectively. We urge the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, keep the reserve privileges and immunities of UNRWA untouched and live up to its responsibility to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms as well as the provision of sorely needed basic services to the civilian population,” said the statement.
The U.S.’ Biden administration has also cautioned that such moves could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. U.S. officials have warned Israel that this could have implications under U.S. law and have hinted at the possibility of cutting military aid if humanitarian assistance to Gaza is not increased.
UNRWA and Hamas
Israel’s government has increasingly scrutinized UNRWA since January, alleging that some of its employees were involved in October 7 attacks against Israel. An independent UN review found little evidence to substantiate these claims, however, ten employees accused in the attack were dismissed by the UN. In response to the allegations, many donor countries, including the U.S., suspended funding to UNRWA, which placed additional strain on its operations.
The UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinians across the region. Its role has been described as “irreplaceable” by various international leaders, particularly in light of the overwhelming reliance of Gaza’s population on humanitarian assistance.
Established in 1949, UNRWA began operations on May 1, 1950, with a mandate to provide direct relief and support to Palestine refugees. UNRWA provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
In the Gaza Strip, where nearly the entire population relies on humanitarian aid, UNRWA serves as a vital lifeline. The agency delivers essential services such as food assistance, healthcare, and education, ensuring that those most affected by conflict and poverty receive the support they need to survive. With the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UNRWA’s presence is more critical than ever.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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