Israel bans UNRWA operations amid escalating tensions in Gaza
Israel's parliament has passed a new law to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within the country, a move that has raised concerns among Western allies about worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Israeli officials cited evidence of involvement by some UNRWA staff members in the October 7 attack on southern Israel, alleging links with Hamas and other militant groups. "UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In response, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemned the law, stating it violates international law and the UN charter.
"This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role in providing human-development assistance to #Palestine Refugees," he wrote on social media.
Israeli officials cited evidence of involvement by some UNRWA staff members in the October 7 attack on southern Israel, alleging links with Hamas and other militant groups. "UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In response, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemned the law, stating it violates international law and the UN charter.
"This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role in providing human-development assistance to #Palestine Refugees," he wrote on social media.