Israel bans UNRWA, restricting key aid services to Palestinian refugees

Israel’s parliament has passed legislation to bar the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, a move that could drastically impact services for millions of Palestinian refugees living in occupied territories.

The Knesset on Monday approved two bills: one prohibiting UNRWA from conducting activities in Israel and another banning Israeli authorities from interacting with the agency. The legislation also rescinds the 1967 treaty allowing UNRWA to aid Palestinian refugees in Israeli-controlled areas, effectively limiting the agency’s ability to provide essential support in occupied regions.

Boaz Bismuth, a Likud member and architect of the bill, defended the measure, stating: “Anyone that behaves like a terrorist has no rights in Israel… UNRWA equals Hamas, period.” Bismuth's statements underscored the divisive nature of the vote, which saw 92 Knesset members in favor of the first bill and 87 in favor of the second, despite vocal opposition from Arab members of parliament and international backlash from Western nations.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the legislation, asserting that it violated international law and contributed to “the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA.” The United States and several other nations have voiced concerns, warning that the ban could disrupt access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter for millions of Palestinians who rely on the agency.

The U.S. State Department had urged Israel not to proceed with the legislation, highlighting UNRWA’s “irreplaceable role” in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously cautioned that passing the bills could affect U.S. policy toward Israel.

Israeli officials have long criticized UNRWA, alleging ties to Hamas and accusing the agency of teaching hostility toward Israel in its schools. UNRWA has repeatedly denied these claims, maintaining that it operates impartially across its network of over 30,000 staff, primarily Palestinian refugees, who deliver aid across the region. The agency also provides emergency food distribution, healthcare, education, and shelter assistance, particularly in Gaza, where it employs more than 13,000 individuals.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced alarm over the ban, calling it a “catastrophe” for Palestinians who depend on UNRWA’s support amid the ongoing conflict. Despite these concerns, Knesset member Yuli Edelstein contended that Israel would continue humanitarian aid “within the framework of international law,” insisting the decision would not hinder essential services to Gaza.

With more than 1 million people in Gaza relying on UNRWA for aid, the ban raises questions about the future provision of services. The U.S. and other nations have warned that Israel may need to assume responsibility for supporting the refugee population if UNRWA is forced to cease operations.

[Information sourced from CNN]