Official statements from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UNRWA

Israel Ends UNRWA Agreement Over Alleged Terrorism Links, UN Warns of Gaza Aid Collapse

Nov 4, 2024, 07:12 AM

Israel has officially notified the United Nations that it is cancelling its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), effectively severing ties with the main UN relief organization for Palestinian refugees. The decision follows the passage of new legislation in the Knesset and comes amid allegations that UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 massacre. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform the UN of the cancellation, stating that UNRWA is an organization whose employees have been involved in terrorism. Israel had previously provided UNRWA with a list of 100 employees allegedly involved in terrorism who were not dismissed. UNRWA warned that this move could lead to the collapse of humanitarian aid in Gaza, potentially sacrificing "an entire generation of children." The decision will take effect in three months and is seen as part of a long-standing campaign to undermine the Palestinian right of return. UNRWA is a major provider of essential services such as healthcare, education, and food assistance in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.