In a move that could jeopardize the presence and operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Israel and Gaza, new laws were passed by Israeli lawmakers on Monday. The legislation could sever ties between Israel and the primary U.N. agency providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The laws, which have not yet taken effect, have raised concerns among Israel’s international allies about the impact on humanitarian efforts in the region, particularly as the situation worsens amid the ongoing conflict. One law would prohibit UNRWA from conducting any activities or providing services within Israeli borders, while another would sever diplomatic relations between Israel and the agency.
Critics of UNRWA claim that some of its staff members have been involved in Hamas attacks, leading to allegations of aiding armed groups. The agency, however, denies these accusations and emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian assistance.
The passing of these laws could disrupt aid distribution in Gaza, where over 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced and facing critical shortages of essentials like food and medicine. The laws, if implemented, would strip UNRWA of its legal immunities and restrict its ability to support Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
International organizations and Western allies of Israel, including the United States, have expressed strong opposition to the laws, emphasizing the vital role UNRWA plays in providing education, healthcare, and basic services to Palestinian refugees. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the laws could hinder UNRWA’s mandated work and urged Israel to uphold its obligations under international law.
As tensions persist in Gaza and aid organizations face challenges, the impact of these laws on humanitarian assistance and the well-being of Palestinians remains a pressing concern for the international community.