Image Source: Jewish Insider
World – The Israeli government’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) has triggered widespread international backlash.
The UN, alongside the United States and several European countries, cautioned that stopping UNRWA’s operations in occupied Palestine could dramatically worsen the suffering faced by millions of Palestinians who rely on the agency’s critical aid, especially in Gaza, while undermining broader humanitarian efforts.
The two bills, overwhelmingly passed by the Knesset on Monday, prohibit UNRWA from operating within Israel and the Palestinian territories under Israeli control.
In addition, the legislation classifies UNRWA as a terrorist organisation and bars any Israeli officials from engaging with the agency. The law is expected to take effect in 90 days.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the decision, describing it as collective punishment against Palestinians and a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
“This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimise its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to Palestine Refugees.”
“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 & boys there from education, putting at risk an entire generation of children. These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians & are nothing less than collective punishment.”
Despite these warnings, Israel’s Prime Minister reaffirmed in a post on X that his government would maintain humanitarian aid deliveries to Palestinians in Gaza.
“We stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security.”
However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres insisted, “There is no alternative to UNRWA,” warning that the new legislation could have catastrophic consequences for Palestinian refugees and disrupt efforts to secure peace in the region.
“I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.”
SMread| UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Session Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
International Concerns on the Impact UNRWA’s Banning Will Have on Palestinians
Global leaders have echoed these concerns, urging Israel to reconsider the laws to prevent further humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted UNRWA’s essential role in delivering aid efficiently to Palestinians, warning that the legislation could jeopardise the entire humanitarian response in Gaza.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is simply unacceptable. We need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a significant increase in aid to Gaza.”
“Under its international obligations, Israel must ensure sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza …UNRWA has a UN mandate to support Palestinian refugees. We urge Israeli lawmakers to ensure that UNRWA can continue to deliver its essential work.”
Governments in Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have strongly criticised the legislation, warning that it undermines the UN’s operations and threatens the foundations of multilateral cooperation.
“Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain will continue to work with donor and host countries to ensure the viability of UNRWA’s work and its humanitarian role.”
Before the bills were passed, the foreign ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK issued a joint statement emphasising the need for UNRWA and other UN agencies to continue their vital humanitarian efforts unimpeded.
“UNRWA provides essential and life-saving humanitarian aid and basic services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and throughout the region.”
“Without its work, the provision of such assistance and services, including education, health care, and fuel distribution in Gaza and the West Bank, would be severely hampered, if not impossible, with devastating consequences on an already critical and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly in northern Gaza.”
