Israel Orders UNRWA to Cease Operations and Evacuate Premises in Jerusalem by January 30, 2025

Jan 24, 2025, 11:46 PM

Israel has ordered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to cease its operations in Jerusalem and evacuate all premises by January 30, 2025. This directive follows legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in October, which prohibits UNRWA activities in Israel and East Jerusalem after a 90-day period. Israel accuses UNRWA of being infiltrated by members of the Palestinian movement Hamas, claiming some agency staff participated in attacks on October 7, 2023. UNRWA, which provides essential services to around six million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, has been warned that its absence could jeopardize the ceasefire in Gaza. UNRWA's chief, Philippe Lazzarini, has stated the agency's intention to continue its work in Palestinian territories despite the ban, emphasizing the critical role it plays in delivering humanitarian aid.