In a significant legislative move, Israel’s parliament has voted to ban the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within its borders. The Knesset decision has sparked concern regarding the welfare of Palestinian refugees, as UNRWA has been pivotal in providing essential services to this community for nearly 80 years. The new laws not only prohibit UNRWA from operating within Israeli territory, including East Jerusalem, but also bar any state engagement with the agency. More details on the parliamentary decision can be viewed here.
The legislative action marks another step away from the Comay-Michelmore Agreement of 1967, which had allowed UNRWA to aid Palestinian refugees in the region. The response from the international community has been one of alarm. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, issued a warning of severe impacts on vulnerable civilians, emphasizing the potential collapse of educational provisions for over 650,000 children in Gaza. For additional context on Lazzarini’s statement, refer to his comments here.
Despite acknowledging the importance of humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to provide an alternative plan for support in the region. The humanitarian implications have been criticized by several international actors, including the United Nations and the European Union, who argue that the legislation could contravene international law. The European Union’s position and concerns are detailed in this report.
Moreover, the US State Department has emphasized UNRWA’s irreplaceable role, especially in crisis-stricken areas like Gaza, where they are central to providing food, water, and medical supplies. This was highlighted in a recent press briefing, details of which are available here.
The legislative ban presents a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations, potentially affecting the humanitarian landscape significantly. For more on the original article, visit the JURIST website.