Israeli Parliament Bans UNRWA, Restricts Operations in Gaza and West Bank

Oct 28, 2024, 07:09 PM

On October 28, 2024, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. The bills were approved with a significant bipartisan majority of 92-10 votes and also heavily restrict UNRWA's activities in Gaza and the West Bank. This move has drawn international concern, with countries including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom expressing "grave concern" over the legislation. The legislation aims to sever Israel's ties with UNRWA, which has long provided aid and support to Palestinian refugees. International partners have urged Israel to abide by its obligations and allow UNRWA to continue its life-saving work.