UNRWA Shutdown: A Diplomatic Soap Opera
Well, well, well! The Knesset is gearing up to give a rather curt farewell to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) this coming Monday. In a move that has got about as much support as a vegan at a Texas barbecue, these two bills are set to effectively close down UNRWA operations in east Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. And all of this is happening despite international pressure that’s thicker than a strong British tea.
The Prime Minister’s office confirms that the legislation is expected to pass. Because nothing says “let’s have a diplomatic chat” like slamming the door to a humanitarian organization, right? Meanwhile, Foreign Ministers across the world—including Canada, Australia, and the UK—are expressing “grave concern” over this move. Their statement reads like an international version of “I told you so,” especially given the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Apparently, global leaders think UNRWA is as crucial as a Wi-Fi connection in a coffee shop. Who knew!
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the mix as well, talking to Israeli officials about maintaining UNRWA’s operations—which, by the way, have been around since 1949. He was probably thinking, “Let’s keep the humanitarian aid coming at least until my coffee gets cold.” And does anyone else find it amusing that the Biden administration has to remind Israel to play nice? It’s like telling your friend not to eat all the snacks at a party when they’ve already gone for round three.
And here’s a plot twist that would make even the best Hollywood scriptwriters envious: the Biden administration hinted at restricting military assistance unless Israel takes steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It’s as if Biden is bargaining for behavior—like a disappointed parent who’s had enough of their kid’s bad grades.
What’s the Big Deal with UNRWA?
UNRWA is not just any old charity; it provides crucial services to an impressive 5.9 million refugees across regions like Syria, Lebanon, and yes, even Jordan! In a world where even the smallest things require a billion-step verification, the UN General Assembly has to approve UNRWA’s operations annually. Ironically, only they can kick it out, and yet here we are, with Israel trying to jump the queue!
Now, according to Israel, UNRWA is like that friend who shows up at every party uninvited and helps perpetuate the Palestinian refugee situation. They argue that it’s a little too chummy with Hamas. Sadly, their accusations are more convoluted than a mystery novel’s plot twist. Security officials used to think UNRWA was essential for stability, but post-October 7, with all sorts of chaos ensuing, they’ve shifted views faster than a celebrity on social media.
Legislative Tango
Fast forward to the legislative floor: two bills are making their debuts after several others have already been cut from the lineup, presumably like that cringe-worthy audition of your uncle at a karaoke bar. The first bill aims to make sure that UNRWA “doesn’t operate any institution” in Israel. The second one is like the heavyweight champion of bills, declaring that any treaty between Israel and UNRWA signed after the Six-Day War is up for a speedy expiration—and it’s packing quite the punch.
MK Yuli Edelstein has stated that there is a big consensus against UNRWA, as if it’s become the anti-hero nobody wants to root for. Meanwhile, some members of the opposition party, Yesh Atid, are playing coy, not fully committing to either support or oppose the bills, much like a teenager trying to decide whether to go to the school dance.
International Eye Roll
Unsurprisingly, the international community is waving red flags like they’re at a bullfight. US officials have hinted that if Israel goes through with the bills, they might find themselves responsible for filling any gaps left by UNRWA’s departure. Oh, you know, no pressure or anything!
Meanwhile, UNRWA is taking to the media with their best dramatic flair, labeling the Knesset vote as “outrageous.” The spokesperson for UNRWA is acting like this is the end of the world—making valid points, I must say! They argue that ceasing operations would grind humanitarian assistance to a halt and leave millions at a standstill. Because what’s not to love about a humanitarian crisis? Not the best headline in the world.
Conclusion
So, here we are: an intercontinental standoff reminiscent of a bad soap opera. Israel, clutching its pearls, insists it must act against UNRWA while the rest of the world shakes its head in disbelief. As the Knesset prepares for the final readings of these bills, one can’t help but wonder: who will play the role of peacemaker in this situation? Because, let’s face it, the world might just need a frank discussion—over a pint, preferably!
The Knesset is taking decisive action on Monday with plans to advance two bills aimed at dismantling the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in critical regions including east Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. This move comes despite widespread international condemnation and pressure opposing such actions, underscoring the political tension surrounding humanitarian efforts in these volatile areas.
A reliable source from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed to The Jerusalem Post that the passage of these bills is anticipated, further sealing the fate of UNRWA’s operations.
Foreign Ministers from multiple nations, including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, have voiced their “grave concern” regarding this potential shutdown. They highlighted the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza exacerbated by ongoing conflict, which raises alarms about the impact of halting UNRWA’s services.
“It is crucial that UNRWA and other UN organizations and agencies be fully able to deliver humanitarian aid and their assistance to those who need it most,” they asserted in their collective statement, emphasizing the critical role such organizations play amidst crises.
In a recent conversation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the necessity for UNRWA to continue its operations, emphasizing its longstanding role in assisting Palestinian refugees across east Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank since 1949.
Moreover, the Biden administration reinforced the need for UNRWA’s operational continuity in a letter to Israel, indicating a possible suspension of military assistance under Memorandum 20 unless Israel actively sought solutions to mitigate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew, along with envoys from Germany, Italy, Australia, and Great Britain, has been engaging in discussions with Israeli lawmakers, imploring them to preserve UNRWA’s essential services.
Israel is acutely aware that the international backlash could manifest as punitive actions against it within the United Nations. Such moves could potentially jeopardize Israel’s voting rights in the General Assembly or challenge the legitimacy of its mission to the UN.
UNRWA currently provides essential services to 5.9 million refugees in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem. Each year, the UN General Assembly must approve its operational mandate, highlighting the central role the UN plays in determining the agency’s future.
Israel has long contended that UNRWA fosters anti-Israel sentiments and contributes to the perpetuation of Palestinian refugee status. However, before the dramatic events of October 7, 2023, many Israeli security officials recognized UNRWA’s humanitarian programs as critical to stabilizing the region.
Following the October 7 Hamas-led attack and Israel’s subsequent military response, a shift occurred in Israel’s perception of UNRWA. Officials now argue that the organization’s alleged ties with Hamas undermined its capacity to serve as a neutral humanitarian entity.
Legislators have proposed six different pieces of legislation aimed at shutting down UNRWA, which have now coalesced into two private member bills.
These two bills cleared the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and are set for decisive readings in the Knesset. MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), the committee chairman, expressed confidence in the broad support from both the coalition and opposition, predicting approval by a significant majority of lawmakers.
While the opposition party Yesh Atid has yet to finalize its stance, it is confirmed that they will not publicly oppose the bills, opting instead for a neutral position according to party representatives.
Three of the bills’ authors, MKs Boaz Bismuth (Likud), Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beytenu), and Dan Illouz (Likud), indicated via social media that they anticipate a smooth passage of the legislation on Monday.
The first bill explicitly states that UNWRA will cease all activities, including any services or institutional operation, directly or indirectly, within Israeli territory.
The second bill specifies that the treaty between Israel and UNRWA, established post-Six-Day War in 1967, will automatically expire within a week following the bill’s passage. Additionally, it bars any official communication between Israeli entities and UNRWA or its representatives for a period of three months post-passage, while ongoing investigations into UNRWA personnel linked to acts of terror are mandated to proceed.
Edelstein clarified that the first bill is limited to east Jerusalem, while the broader second bill rescinds UNRWA’s operational invitation in all areas under Israeli control and prohibits any engagement by Israeli officials with the agency.
“This is a gap we can’t bridge,” Edelstein stated, reflecting the deep-seated disagreement between Israel and the international community over UNRWA’s role and impact.
Turning a blind eye
Edelstein lamented that before October 7, many had turned “a blind eye” to the ongoing issues surrounding UNRWA, calling it “absurd” that action against the agency was not initiated sooner by the government.
He declared, “There is no doubt that UNRWA is part of the Hamas rule in Gaza,” emphasizing the need to put an end to what he perceives as its facilitation of extremism.
He emphasized a unified stance against UNRWA is apparent among lawmakers in both the coalition and opposition, predicting strong legislative support once the bills are set for voting.
Upon passage, a three-month countdown will begin, during which time alternative arrangements will need to be considered to ensure that essential services for Palestinians are not disrupted.
A US Embassy spokesperson cautioned that if the legislative measures pass, the resultant void may fall on Israeli responsibilities to fill, potentially intensifying the existing humanitarian crisis—threatening regional stability and security.
Concerns were raised about UNRWA personnel’s involvement in the October 7 events, which led to funding cessation by the US, highlighting the need for accountability and reforms within the organization.
UNRWA articulated its strong disapproval of the looming Knesset vote, declaring it “outrageous,” pointing out that such actions against a UN-mandated agency breach both the UN Charter and Israel’s legal obligations.
Warnings from UNRWA also indicate that discontinuing its services would severely impact humanitarian assistance for millions, potentially paralyzing key support for survival in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Without UNRWA, the delivery of food, shelter, and health care to most of Gaza’s population would grind to a halt,” the spokesperson emphasized, urging recognition of the broader implications of legislative actions on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
