Concerns Mount As Israel Bans UN Palestinian Refugee Agency.
Israel’s parliament has enacted legislation to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa) from operating within Israel and Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, effective within three months. This new law, which was passed with a strong majority, will halt the agency’s contact with Israeli officials, restrict its ability to operate across the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, and remove the legal immunity of Unrwa staff in Israel.
With the closure of Unrwa’s East Jerusalem headquarters, the agency’s critical work providing healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians is in jeopardy. Cooperation with Israel is essential for Unrwa, especially in Gaza, where the agency coordinates with the Israeli military to facilitate the movement of aid across borders. Currently, the majority of Gaza’s population relies on Unrwa for survival, with over two million residents dependent on its aid and services.
UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that the decision could undermine peace efforts in the region, while Unrwa Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called it “unprecedented” and a violation of Israel’s international obligations. He expressed grave concern for the 650,000 Palestinian children whose education is at risk, adding that Gazans have already endured “sheer hell.”
Prominent international leaders, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have strongly criticised Israel’s move. Lammy labelled it “totally wrong,” and Starmer expressed concerns that the legislation could make Unrwa’s humanitarian work “impossible.”
The United States echoed these concerns, stressing the “critical” role Unrwa plays in Gaza’s humanitarian efforts. Israel, however, has long opposed Unrwa, accusing some of its staff of collusion with Hamas, claims the agency has repeatedly denied. The UN’s investigation into these allegations resulted in dismissals of a few individuals, but broader claims remain unsubstantiated.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued the need for accountability, saying, “Unrwa workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.” He added that “sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza,” and pledged to work with international partners to facilitate safe aid distribution.
The legislation arrives amid worsening conditions in northern Gaza, where intense military operations continue. Civilians face desperate situations, with many Palestinians fearing a “surrender or starve” policy in the north – allegations that Israel has denied. The escalating crisis follows Israel’s ongoing response to the deadly 7 October attacks by Hamas, which led to significant loss of life and the capture of hostages.
As Unrwa’s future in the region faces unprecedented threats, international leaders continue to push for diplomatic solutions, hoping to prevent further disruption of aid and services to those most affected by the conflict.
