The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Monday that Israel’s recent ban on its operations could lead to a collapse of humanitarian aid efforts in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler told AFP, “If the law is enforced, it will likely cause the international humanitarian operation in Gaza, for which UNRWA is the backbone, to collapse.”
On Monday, Israel formally notified the United Nations of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA, following the recent Knesset approval of this controversial measure. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced, “Under the directive of Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the Ministry informed the UN of the cancellation of the agreement between the State of Israel and UNRWA,” according to AFP.
Minister Katz cited that “UNRWA, which has staff linked to the October 7 massacre and employs many individuals associated with Hamas, is part of Gaza’s problem, not the solution.”
This ban, passed last month by the Knesset, prohibits UNRWA activities in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, despite international condemnation, including from the U.S., a key ally of Israel. Experts warn that blocking UNRWA, which provides essential aid to Palestinians, could harm humanitarian efforts if enforced.
Established by the UN General Assembly in December 1949, UNRWA has been a crucial part of humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank, providing vital services like healthcare and education.
UNRWA currently employs around 18,000 staff in the West Bank and Gaza, with approximately 13,000 in education and 1,500 in healthcare, supporting some of Gaza’s most vulnerable populations.
