Israel Bans UN Relief Agency from Operating Within Its Borders

[Social Media]

 

In a significant legislative move, the Israeli parliament has passed two bills that effectively prohibit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. Known primarily for its role as the main provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, UNRWA is instrumental in assisting communities in the West Bank and Gaza. While the agency can continue operating within Palestinian territories, local media reports that the ban within Israel will sharply curtail its effectiveness, particularly in these areas.

 

UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the legislative move, emphasizing the impact it will have on Palestinian communities. “These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment,” he stated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a contrasting perspective, calling for accountability within UNRWA and asserting, “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable,” in a statement posted on X.

 

The relationship between Israel and UNRWA has long been fraught with tension, a situation that has only intensified since October 7. Around this time, some European countries had suspended their financial support to UNRWA after Israel alleged, though without public evidence, that certain UNRWA staff may have been complicit in Hamas-led attacks. While many nations eventually reinstated their funding, a United Nations investigation later discovered that nine staff members “may have been involved in the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel,” resulting in all nine individuals being dismissed from UNRWA.

 

In the ongoing conflict, Israel has reportedly killed over 230 UNRWA staff members as it continues its military campaign in Gaza, a figure illustrating the personal toll on UNRWA’s personnel amidst mounting hostilities. Conditions in Gaza are deteriorating quickly. On Monday, the United Nations described the humanitarian situation there as dire, particularly as Israel restricted aid workers from reaching civilians trapped in rubble over the previous weekend. Watchdogs have warned of a looming famine in the enclave, noting that half of Gaza’s population now faces extreme food insecurity.

 

Despite these restrictions, Netanyahu maintained that preventing a humanitarian crisis remains essential and stressed the importance of maintaining consistent aid access for Gaza. “Since avoiding a humanitarian crisis is also essential, sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza now and in the future,” he stated on X. The impact of the UNRWA ban and the ongoing military operations leaves Gaza’s future uncertain, with humanitarian assistance strained under the weight of escalating violence and logistical barriers.

 

Based on a report from Politico 2024-10-29

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Former @UNRWA teacher could not be reached for comment on Israel adopting legislation to outlaw the UN agency. 

 

https://x.com/Ostrov_A/status/1851017714955112457

 

[Hawaiian]

Unfortunately, UNRWA is just another U.N. agency used as a cover for operatives of the worst kind.  Wise move by the Israelis.

[thaibeachlovers]

Nations of the world call for end to the ban on UNWRA.

 

https://unric.org/en/european-governments-condemn-israel-legislation-on-unrwa/

European governments condemn Israel legislation on UNRWA

 

Even Germany ( same link )

Germany: The German Foreign Ministry Human Rights Commissioner has criticized the Knesset motions and argued that this would render it impossible to deliver humanitarian aid.

 

Even the US

https://www.politico.eu/article/world-reacts-israel-banning-unrwa-gaza-antonio-guterres-un/

The U.S. state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a briefing Monday that the U.S. government was “deeply concerned” about the vote in the Israeli parliament and that UNRWA had an “irreplaceable” role in providing aid to the Gaza Strip.

 

 

Even Israelis

https://www.dw.com/en/middle-east-us-condemns-horrifying-israeli-strike-on-gaza/live-70624186

An Israeli human rights lawyer has condemned the Israeli government for banning the UN's aid agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, on Monday.

 

 

[Ben Zioner]

It was about time this happened. Being an ex UN staffer, having a terrorist agency among us is a great sadness.