Israel Bans UN Relief Agency for Palestinians

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Israel Bans UNRWA Operations Amid Rising Tensions with the United Nations

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed legislation on Monday banning the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The agency, the primary humanitarian organization serving Palestinian refugees in Gaza, has faced longstanding scrutiny from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has accused its employees of ties to terrorism.

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The move follows an investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services, which, while dismissing some allegations, indicated that nine UNRWA employees could be implicated in the October 7 attacks on Israel. If evidence is confirmed, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated those employees would be terminated.

Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance on UNRWA, asserting that its staff “must be held accountable.” His office emphasized that Israel remains committed to supporting humanitarian assistance for Gaza civilians as long as it does not compromise Israel’s security, particularly in the 90-day transitional period before the legislation takes full effect.

International Concerns and U.N. Response

The Biden administration has expressed concerns over the ban, with the U.S. State Department indicating that such a measure could jeopardize essential aid services during a humanitarian crisis. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, recently labeled “persona non grata” by Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, criticized the decision, warning that there is “no alternative to UNRWA.” Guterres stated that the U.N. General Assembly may intervene, as he believes the ban violates Israel’s obligations under the U.N. Charter.

Lazzarini echoed these sentiments, calling the ban “collective punishment” and warning that it risks depriving millions of Palestinian refugees of critical services. Lazzarini accused Israel of undermining UNRWA’s mission to support Palestinian refugees, declaring the legislation “a dangerous precedent.”

Global Reaction and Local Support for the Ban

International allies, including France, Germany, Britain, and Canada, have voiced their opposition, emphasizing the importance of UNRWA’s humanitarian role. Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin joined Norway, Slovenia, and Spain in condemning the ban, stating that UNRWA’s role is “essential and irreplaceable” for Palestinians, especially those in Gaza.

However, Israeli lawmakers supporting the ban argue that UNRWA’s operations have been “counterproductive” to regional peace. Boaz Bismuth, one of the bill’s authors, stated that the agency does not contribute to the stability Israel seeks in the Middle East, underscoring a belief that long-term peace requires a different approach.

Ongoing Tensions with the United Nations

The ban follows Netanyahu’s recent speech at the U.N. General Assembly, where he accused the organization of fostering an “antisemitic swamp.” In recent weeks, Israeli forces engaged in a ground invasion into Lebanon, where allegations emerged of Israeli attacks on U.N. peacekeepers stationed under U.N. Resolution 1701. Israel has denied these claims, asserting that it warned peacekeepers to vacate areas where its troops are operating against Hezbollah.

This latest legislation adds a significant chapter to the ongoing strain between Israel and the U.N., reflecting deeper geopolitical rifts as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies.

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