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Israel's Knesset Overwhelmingly Bans UNRWA; Agency Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Oct 28, 2024, 08:18 PM

On October 28, 2024, Israel's Knesset passed two bills banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within the country and severely restricting its activities in Gaza and the West Bank. The legislation passed overwhelmingly with a 92-10 vote, gaining support from both the government coalition and opposition parties. The new laws prohibit UNRWA, which employs 13,000 staff, from conducting any activity or providing any service inside Israel and sever diplomatic ties with the agency. Israeli officials have accused UNRWA of employing individuals affiliated with Hamas and participating in terrorist activities against Israel. UNRWA, which has been providing essential services such as food, healthcare, education, and jobs to Palestinian refugees for over 70 years, warned that the ban would lead to the collapse of humanitarian efforts and deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza. The agency's Commissioner-General described the move as an "unprecedented escalation," a "dangerous precedent," and a violation of Israel's obligations under the UN Charter and international law. The decision comes despite international protests and warnings from the United States, which had urged Israel to pause the legislation, emphasizing that UNRWA is critical to supplying aid to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza "now and in the future," but insisted that UNRWA workers involved in "terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable."