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Israel Cancels UNRWA Agreement Amid Allegations of October 7 Massacre Involvement

Nov 4, 2024, 04:16 AM

Israel has formally notified the United Nations that it is canceling the agreement regulating the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision, directed by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, is based on allegations that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 massacre and hostage-taking. The agreement, originally signed in 1967, has been a cornerstone of UNRWA's ability to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. UN officials have warned that the ban will have catastrophic effects on the humanitarian efforts for 2.3 million people in Gaza, who are heavily dependent on UNRWA's services, staff, and logistical capabilities. The Knesset's vote to ban UNRWA is seen as part of Israel's long-standing efforts to undermine the Palestinian right of return, raising concerns among humanitarian advocates about the increased vulnerability of Palestinian refugees. UNHCR, supporting 34 million refugees globally, is another UN agency for refugees.