Israel’s parliament has passed two laws that could hinder the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from continuing its work in Gaza. The laws ban the agency from operating and cut ties between UNRWA and the Israeli government. Supporters claim Israel aims to sideline the Palestinian refugee issue by targeting the agency, which provides essential aid and services to millions of Palestinian refugees in the region.
The head of UNRWA called the move “unprecedented” and warned that it would deepen the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where the population relies heavily on aid for survival. The bills accuse UNRWA of aiding Hamas and participating in attacks on Israel, allegations that the agency denies.
The legislation could force UNRWA to relocate its headquarters and cease operations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, impacting millions of refugees who depend on its services. Israel’s campaign against UNRWA has garnered international concern, with several Western countries and the Biden administration warning of potential consequences for aid distribution.
The dispute over UNRWA’s neutrality and accusations of Hamas infiltration have fueled the ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges, UNRWA remains a vital source of aid for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. The recent laws passed by Israel threaten to disrupt humanitarian operations and exacerbate the already dire situation in Gaza.
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