Israel Seeks to Ban UNRWA Over Hamas Ties; UNRWA Chief Ahed Al-Muqid Killed in Gaza Airstrike

Oct 6, 2024, 02:20 PM

Israel has approved a proposal to ban the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) due to alleged ties with Hamas, including staff involvement in the October 7 massacre, misuse of UNRWA facilities by Hamas, and misappropriation of funds and aid. The legislation was initiated after Israel submitted information on 100 Hamas members allegedly on the UNRWA payroll. In response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to halt the legislation, arguing that it would effectively shut down UNRWA, which plays a vital role in providing aid to Palestinians. Additionally, reports indicate that Ahed Al-Muqid, the head of UNRWA operations in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike.