Israel’s parliament has passed a law banning the United Nations agency, UNRWA, from operating in the country due to alleged links between some of its staff and Hamas militants. The decision was based on claims that some UNRWA workers were involved in or supported attacks on Israel, leading Israeli lawmakers to push for this ban. The law could affect UNRWA’s operations in East Jerusalem and potentially disrupt humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where UNRWA provides aid, schooling, and health services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared on social media that Israel aims to continue humanitarian aid in Gaza but without compromising national security. He emphasized the importance of keeping humanitarian support flowing to civilians, but without risking Israel’s safety.
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini expressed strong concern, calling the ban a “dangerous precedent” that challenges the U.N. charter and humanitarian law. He stressed UNRWA’s critical role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. UNRWA officials fear that transferring its responsibilities to other agencies, as Israel has suggested, may fail to meet the scale of needs in the region.
The move has drawn international attention, with countries like France, Germany, and the U.K. voicing concern. They urged Israel to allow UNRWA and other U.N. organizations to continue delivering humanitarian support.
