This came in a statement made by Council members, following the Knesset’s approval of draft laws that include banning UNRWA activities. The members stressed that they are aware of the main role of UNRWA, and that the agency constitutes the backbone of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The statement warned against “any attempt to dissolve or reduce UNRWA’s operations and powers,” called on the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations, and called on all parties to allow UNRWA to carry out its duty.
He pointed out that UNRWA took quick steps in the wake of the allegations directed against it, and called for taking steps to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, in accordance with international law.
He expressed his members’ appreciation for the work of UNRWA staff, stressing the importance of the agency’s ability to continue its services without interruption.
On Monday, the Israeli Knesset finally approved a ban on the activity of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Israel claims that UNRWA employees contributed to the “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack on October 7, 2023, and that “the agency’s education system supports terrorism and hatred.”
UNRWA denied Israel’s allegations, and the United Nations confirmed that the agency is neutral and focuses exclusively on supporting refugees.
UNRWA was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1949, and was mandated to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operations: Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinians’ need for UNRWA services is increasing in light of the bloody Israeli war that it has been waging, with American support, on Gaza, since October 7, 2023.
Source: Agencies
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**Interview with David Cohen, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, David. The Israeli parliament recently passed a law to ban the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in Israel. What prompted this legislative action?
**David Cohen:** Thank you for having me. The Israeli government has long viewed UNRWA with suspicion, arguing that its operations perpetuate the refugee status of Palestinians rather than facilitating their integration or resettlement. The recent escalation of tensions in Gaza may have further fueled the belief that UNRWA’s presence complicates security and humanitarian efforts in the region.
**Interviewer:** What do you think are the potential implications of this decision for Palestinians living in Gaza specifically?
**David Cohen:** This ban could significantly impact the humanitarian aid and services that UNRWA provides, which include education, healthcare, and food assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees. With the current conflict intensifying the needs of the civilian population, this decision may exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, making it even more difficult for refugees to access essential services.
**Interviewer:** The Council members emphasized that they are aware of the main challenges facing the region. How do you see the international community reacting to this decision?
**David Cohen:** The international community is likely to express concern. Many nations and humanitarian organizations rely on UNRWA to deliver essential aid to Palestinians. There may be diplomatic efforts to persuade Israel to reconsider this ban, especially given the potential humanitarian fallout. However, Israel’s concerns about security and the organization’s effectiveness might overshadow these discussions.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what are the potential long-term effects of such a law on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**David Cohen:** Banning UNRWA could harden attitudes on both sides. For Palestinians, it might reinforce feelings of abandonment and victimization, while for Israelis, it might validate their narrative about the need for stringent control over relief efforts. If humanitarian needs continue to be unmet, it could also drive further instability in the region, making a resolution to the conflict even more elusive.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, David, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s certainly a developing situation that we’ll have to keep an eye on.
**David Cohen:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to remain vigilant about how policy changes can impact lives on the ground.
