Israel Cancels 1967 UNRWA Agreement; Foreign Minister Katz Cites Hamas Links

Nov 4, 2024, 04:34 AM

Israel has officially notified the United Nations of its decision to cancel the 1967 agreement regulating the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. On Sunday night, November 4, 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the direction of Foreign Minister Israel Katz, sent a letter to Philémon Yang, the President of the UN General Assembly, communicating the termination. Israel cited concerns over alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7 Hamas attacks. The move follows new legislation passed in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, to sever ties with UNRWA. Israeli officials accuse UNRWA of having links with Hamas and compromising national security. In response, UNRWA's Commissioner-General warned that the decision would sacrifice "an entire generation of children." Despite the cancellation, Israel stated it will continue to work with the UN and other partners to facilitate aid.