 "Palestinians grab humanitarian aid from a truck as it crossed into the Gaza Strip in Rafah, December 17, 2023. File Image/AP")
Israel’s Knesset passed two laws on Monday prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from conducting any operations within Israeli borders.
This legislation marks a significant shift in Israel’s longstanding but strained relationship with the agency, igniting concern among international bodies and humanitarian groups about the repercussions on the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UNRWA plays a critical role.
The first Israeli law, passed with overwhelming support at 92 votes to 10, bars UNRWA from all activities, interactions, or services within Israel and the second law, passed with 87 votes to 9, formally severs Israel’s diplomatic ties with the agency.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, linking the decision to allegations that several UNRWA staff members were connected to Hamas, the Palestinian group engaged in ongoing conflict with Israel.
Netanyahu stated, “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. Since avoiding a humanitarian crisis is also essential, sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza now and in the future.”
He further stated that Israel would work with international partners in the coming months to ensure aid reaches Gaza safely, in a manner that “does not threaten Israel’s security.”
The Knesset also passed an addendum stipulating that Israeli officials would cease all contact with UNRWA but may grant exceptions under specific circumstances. The ban will take effect in approximately 90 days, signalling that Israel’s deep-rooted suspicions of UNRWA’s operations, especially concerning links to militant groups, have reached a tipping point.
Israeli lawmaker Sharren Haskel expressed support, stating, “If the United Nations is not willing to clean this organisation from terrorism, from Hamas activists, then we have to take measures to make sure that they cannot harm our people ever again.”
What is the UNRWA? What is it’s role in Gaza?
The UNRWA was established in 1948 as the primary agency responsible for Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled during the first Arab-Israeli war.
Today, the agency serves nearly 6 million registered Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing critical support in education, healthcare, and social services.
In Gaza alone, more than 1.9 million Palestinians depend on UNRWA for food, water, and sanitation, while around 650,000 children receive education through its schools.
As of now, the agency employs approximately 30,000 Palestinians and has reported that over 200 staff members have been killed amid Israeli airstrikes and raids during the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which has now lasted over a year.
UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has called Israel’s move a “dangerous precedent,” warning that it violates Israel’s obligations under international law and would “deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell.”
The scope of UNRWA’s work has often been a point of contention with Israel, particularly over the agency’s mandate to serve descendants of the original Palestinian refugees, whom Israel argues should no longer be considered refugees.
What are the allegations against the UNRWA?
Israel’s decision follows multiple allegations that some UNRWA staff members have affiliations with militant groups. Earlier this year, Israel alleged that a Hamas commander killed in Lebanon previously held a position with UNRWA, as did another Hamas commander killed in Gaza.
More recently, Israel provided a dossier to the US, detailing its accusations against 12 UNRWA employees, including nine who allegedly worked as teachers within the agency, and cited a wider claim that as many as 190 of the agency’s employees may be tied to Hamas or Islamic Jihad.
According to Israeli lawmaker Boaz Bismuth, “UNRWA is not an aid agency for refugees. It is an aid agency for Hamas.”
UNRWA has taken steps to address these concerns, terminating nine employees after investigations but maintaining that it acts quickly to root out any links to militancy within its ranks.
According to an agency spokesperson, Juliette Touma, “It’s outrageous that a member state of the United Nations is working to dismantle a UN agency which also happens to be the largest responder in the humanitarian operation in Gaza.”
Lazzarini also highlighted that the agency’s role in Gaza is irreplaceable: “These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment.”
How has the world reacted to Israel banning the UNRWA?
The international response to Israel’s legislation has been swift and largely critical. A joint statement from foreign ministers of France, Germany, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Australia urged Israel to reconsider, stressing the “crucial need for UNRWA and other UN organisations to continue delivering aid to those who need it most.”
A statement by the governments of Ireland, Spain, Norway and Slovenia also condemned the legislation, stating that the move sets “a serious precedent” for the work of the United Nations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticised the decision, stating, “National legislation cannot alter those obligations,” and reiterated that “there is no alternative to UNRWA.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally and UNRWA’s largest donor, expressed “deep concern” about the legislation’s timing and potential consequences. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller remarked, “There’s nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis.”
The current state of Gaza as conflict escalates
As the ban looms, UNRWA’s ability to operate in Gaza is increasingly uncertain. The Palestinian Health Ministry recently reported that over 43,000 people, primarily civilians, have died as a result of continued hostilities, with more than half the casualties being women and children.
Israel’s military has intensified its operations, particularly in northern Gaza, where residents face severe shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Kamal Adwan Hospital was heavily damaged in a raid that led to the detention of 100 alleged Hamas militants. According to the World Health Organisation, Israel detained 44 medical personnel during the operation, though the military stated that 100 individuals were detained overall.
UNRWA’s educational services are at risk under the new law, potentially depriving hundreds of thousands of students of their schooling. The agency currently administers eight refugee camps in Gaza and operates numerous schools and health facilities across the region.
According to UNRWA’s Lazzarini, “This legislation will deprive more than 650,000 girls and boys there from education, putting at risk an entire generation of children.”
With UNRWA’s fate uncertain, international mediators are pressing for a ceasefire to stabilise Gaza and allow for increased aid distribution. Discussions are reportedly underway involving Egypt, the US, and Qatar, aiming to negotiate a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has proposed a two-day ceasefire, and Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed cautious optimism about the initiative. However, a conclusive response from Hamas has not been forthcoming.
Also Read: Are hostages the only sticking point for peace in Gaza now?
With inputs from agencies
Anmol is a Senior Sub-Editor with Firstpost. He likes to cover stories that intrigue him, generally revolving around international polity, Indian foreign policy, human interest, environment and even the politically-charged election cycles in India. He has far too many disparate interests with a constant itch for travel. Having visited fourteen states in the Indian subcontinent, he is always on the lookout for opportunities to add more to the list. He enjoys watching Football, Tennis and F1 purely as a sports enthusiast.