Israel prohibits aid organization UNRWA from conducting operations within its borders
The U.S. State Department expressed ‘deep concern’ over the legislation passed by the Knesset, according to spokesman Matthew Miller.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, approved two laws banning the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and cutting all ties with it, raising concerns about humanitarian aid in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
The first law, prohibiting the agency from working in Israel, was passed by a vote of 92–10 on Monday. The second law, ceasing all official connections with the agency, received a vote of 87–9.
These laws, set to take effect in 90 days, bar Israeli officials from communicating with UNRWA and remove legal immunities from the agency’s staff.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that UNRWA’s work in Gaza would be hindered if the laws were enforced. The recent conflict has displaced over 1.9 million Palestinians, resulting in shortages of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that UNRWA was cooperating with Hamas in Gaza. In January, The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu informed U.N. ambassadors in Jerusalem that the agency was completely infiltrated by the terrorist group.
In January, the United States suspended funding over claims that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in Hamas’s attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Israel responded with military action after Hamas-led terrorists, under Yahya Sinwar’s plan, launched surprise attacks into Israel last year, resulting in 1,200 casualties.
Sinwar was killed earlier this month after being found in a destroyed house in Gaza.
In August, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq mentioned that “for nine individuals, there was sufficient evidence indicating possible involvement in the October attacks.”
The UNRWA USA national committee resumed funding in April after careful consideration and legal consultation.
Guterres warned Israel of its international obligation under the law to provide assistance to the displaced Palestinians in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Guterres wrote to Netanyahu, cautioning that the legislation would have catastrophic effects.
In an statement posted on a social media platform, Guterres stated that the laws passed by the Knesset obstruct UNRWA’s crucial work in the Palestinian Territory with devastating consequences for Palestine refugees.
He called on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and the UN Charter, emphasizing that national laws cannot alter those responsibilities. Guterres stressed the importance of UNRWA as there is no viable alternative.
He mentioned bringing up the matter to the U.N. General Assembly.
During a daily briefing in New York on Monday, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed the United States’ deep concerns regarding the legislation and urged Israel to reconsider its implementation.
Miller noted the dire consequences if UNRWA ceased to exist, emphasizing the critical need for food, water, and medicine for civilians, particularly in places like Jabalia in northern Gaza, where humanitarian aid is not reaching.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris denounced the vote in Israel as disastrous and shameful, cutting off crucial humanitarian aid to a region facing a severe crisis.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that it is the international community’s duty to oppose any efforts to ban UNRWA, which was established by a U.N. General Assembly resolution. Turkey affirmed its commitment to continue financial support for the agency.
Last week, UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, warned at a press conference in Berlin that the agency was approaching a breaking point in its operations.
He expressed concern about the agency’s ability to continue operating in the near future due to mounting challenges.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
