Israel: Authorities passed two laws banning UN refugee agency (Unrwa)

Israel has passed two laws banning the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (Unrwa) from operating in Israel, and in occupied areas under its control, by large majorities.

A number of countries, including the US the UK and Germany, have expressed serious concern about the move.

Ahead of the vote, the US State Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the move, saying the agency plays a “critical” role in distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

UNRWA was established in 1949 with a temporary mandate to care for Palestinian refugees displaced during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when Arab states attacked Israel after it declared independence. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians either fled or were forced from their homes. Many remain stateless to this day. 

From chronic underfunding to accusations by Israeli officials that it perpetuates Palestinian displacement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has faced threats to its existence for decades.

Now, Knesset lawmakers are set to vote this week on two bills to prevent UNRWA from operating within Israeli territory, following allegations that agency staff were involved in the October 7, 2023, terror attacks. That would also severely curtail UNRWA’s ability to operate in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. 

Following the passing of the first law, Boaz Bismuth, a member of Likud, the architect of the bill, said: “Anyone that behaves like a terrorist has no rights in Israel…. UNRWA equals Hamas, period.

”Before the passing of the second law, another member, Yuli Edelstein, claimed the directive “does not in any way harm humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip” and insisted Israel was acting within the framework of international law.

The move went ahead despite heated opposition from Arab members of the Knesset and strong international pressure from Western nations. The first law was approved with 92 votes in favor, 10 against. The second was approved with 87 votes in favor, 9 against.

Several countries, including the United States, have expressed deep concerns about the controversial ban, which could impact the education, food, healthcare and livelihoods of millions of Palestinians who depend on the agency.

Prior to the vote, the US State Department had urged Israel not to pass the legislation, saying the agency plays “an irreplaceable role right now in Gaza.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously warned Israel that passing the legislation could “have implications under US law and US policy.”

Israel has long sought to dismantle the UN body, arguing that some of its employees are affiliated with Hamas, and that its schools teach hate against Israel. UNRWA has repeatedly denied these accusations, saying there is “absolutely no ground for a blanket description of ‘the institution as a whole’ being ‘totally infiltrated.’”

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