The Israeli parliament has passed two laws within the past 90 days, effectively banning the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. This decision has placed the survival of Palestinians at risk and violates international laws and UN regulations, which all member states are obligated to follow.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet has accused UNRWA of having ties to Hamas, alleging that its staff were involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks. However, a UN report has stated that Israel has not provided any evidence to substantiate these claims.
In a statement, UNRWA has asserted that its assets and properties remain protected from any form of interference. The ban is expected to have devastating consequences for the Palestinian population. Established in 1967, UNRWA was created to provide aid, development, and protection to Palestinian refugees.
The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has been reduced to rubble following Israeli airstrikes. According to UNRWA, 95.2% of Gaza’s school buildings have been damaged in some way, with 88% requiring complete reconstruction.
With 13,000 staff members and a network of schools, health centers, and relief offices, UNRWA plays a critical role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the Israeli government’s decision to halt the agency’s operations in the region will leave the Palestinian population facing severe hardships.
UNRWA officials estimate that rebuilding Gaza could take between 14 to 20 years, with the local economy requiring significant time to recover. In the interim, Palestinians will desperately need food and financial aid.
This unprecedented move by the Israeli government marks a new chapter in UN history, as it is the first time a member state has unilaterally blocked the mandate of a UN agency. UNRWA officials argue that Israel’s aim is to undermine the right to self-determination for Palestinians and disrupt the peace process in the region.
The future of UNRWA remains uncertain, as the UN General Assembly has sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding the legal status of Israel’s laws. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for both the agency and the Palestinian people it serves.
