Israel votes to ban UNRWA operations amid war in Gaza

Israel votes to ban UNRWA operations amid war in Gaza
Israel votes to ban UNRWA operations amid war in Gaza / bne IntelliNews
By bne Tel Aviv bureau October 28, 2024

Israel's parliament, the Knesset, approved legislation on October 28 banning operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the main humanitarian aid provider in Gaza, despite concerns about the impact on civilian assistance.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reiterated accusations of UNRWA staff involvement in terrorist activities, though a UN investigation completed in August found several allegations lacked sufficient evidence.

The legislation, passed in its final reading, was spearheaded by MK Boaz Bismuth, who said that “UNRWA is not a refugee aid agency; it is a Hamas aid agency.”

The agency acknowledged nine employees may have been involved in the October 7 attacks if evidence was "authenticated," with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stating those contracts would be terminated.

"In the 90 days before this legislation goes into effect — and after — we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure that Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza in a manner that does not threaten Israel's security," Netanyahu's office said.

Lazzarini condemned the vote as violating the U.N. charter and setting "a dangerous precedent," arguing it amounts to collective punishment. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role," he wrote on social media platform X.

UNRWA, established in 1949, provides aid to Palestinian refugees across several territories. Israeli critics claim the agency perpetuates refugee status, but Lazzarini maintains this status "is protected by another UN General Assembly resolution until a fair and lasting solution is found."

Juliette Touma, UNRWA communications director, said it is "the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza. Who can do its job?"

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK is "gravely concerned" at the ban, which, he said, jeopardises “the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank.”

"Only UNRWA can deliver humanitarian aid at the scale and pace needed. We urge Israeli lawmakers to ensure that UNRWA can continue to deliver its essential work," Mr Starmer said, Sky News reported him as saying.

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