Israel‘s UN Ambassador Danny Dannon announced that his country has severed cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
“Following the adoption of the Law on UNRWA, we officially notified the President of the General Assembly of the termination of cooperation with the organization,” said Dannon.
“Despite the overwhelming evidence we submitted to the UN highlighting how Hamas infiltrated UNRWA, the UN has done nothing to address this reality,” the diplomat said in a statement.
“Israel will continue to cooperate with humanitarian organizations but not with organizations that support terrorism against the state of Israel,” he continued.
A week ago, Israel’s parliament passed two laws banning UNRWA from operating and prohibiting Israeli authorities from contacting the UN agency, which is the main provider of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel said several UNRWA employees were linked to Hamas.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that the move effectively undermines the agency’s efforts to provide aid to Palestinian refugees. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Klein, Political Analyst on the Severance of Relations between Israel and UNRWA**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Klein. There’s been significant news regarding the Israeli Ambassador to the UN announcing a severance of relations with UNRWA. What context can you provide for this development?
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me. The announcement reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding UNRWA’s role in providing services to Palestinian refugees. Israel has often criticized UNRWA for what it perceives as bias against its interests and has called for reforms.
**Editor:** How do you think this severance of relations will impact the Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA for essential services?
**Dr. Klein:** The severance could potentially lead to a significant reduction in aid and support for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing education, healthcare, and emergency assistance. Without Israel’s cooperation, which facilitates some funding and operational processes, these services could be jeopardized.
**Editor:** In the broader context, what implications do you see for Israel’s international relations, particularly with other UN member states?
**Dr. Klein:** This move may isolate Israel further in the international arena, particularly among nations sympathetic to Palestinian rights. Continued severance may reinforce a narrative of Israel being uncooperative, which could affect its diplomatic relationships and negotiations in the future.
**Editor:** what do you think the next steps will be for both UNRWA and Israel following this announcement?
**Dr. Klein:** I anticipate that UNRWA will have to look for alternative means of support, whether through other nations or NGOs. For Israel, it may mean increasing its rhetorical emphasis on accountability and reform within UNRWA, while also navigating the international backlash that could accompany this decision. It’s a complex situation that will likely evolve in the coming months.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Klein. It’s a critical topic, and we appreciate your expertise.
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me.