Israel’s parliament voted to ban the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, citing concerns that some employees may be involved in terrorist activities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused UNRWA personnel of being connected to terror attacks against Israel, leading to the decision to terminate their contracts. The move has sparked international condemnation, with foreign ministers from various countries expressing deep concerns about restricting humanitarian aid in Gaza. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the decision, stating that it violates the U.N. charter and puts Palestinian children at risk.
This ban on UNRWA comes as tensions between Israel and the agency have been escalating, with some Israeli critics arguing that UNRWA perpetuates a false narrative of Palestinian refugees. The U.N. aid organization has been providing assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees since 1949 in various regions. While Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have condemned the ban, Israeli parliament members defended the decision, calling UNRWA’s work in the region counterproductive.
In addition to the conflict with UNRWA, Netanyahu has also accused the U.N. of being anti-Semitic and banned U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces have also been accused of attacking U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, while Netanyahu claimed that the peacekeepers were warned to leave their posts as the IDF fights militants. Overall, the ban on UNRWA operations reflects the ongoing tensions between Israel and international humanitarian organizations working in the region.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
