Gaza I Israel bans activity of UNRWA, UN agency for Palestinian refugees
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The Israeli Parliament approved this Monday two laws that restrict the activities of the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) in that country and the occupied territories under its control.
Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed serious concern over the move.
Ahead of the vote, the US State Department warned that it was “deeply concerned” that the agency plays a “crucial” role in distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli legislators approved the measure with 92 votes in favor and 10 against.After years of harsh criticism against UNRWA, the AFP agency reported.
Israel has accused the agency of practically colluding with the terrorist group HamasNoting that some of its employees were involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. An allegation the agency denies.
for decades, UNRWA has provided a range of services and assistance, including health care and education, to millions of Palestinians in Gaza,
The agency’s Commissioner General, Philip Lazzarini, said the decision would further increase the suffering of Palestinians.
“The Israeli parliament’s vote against UNRWA is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent,” Lazzarini warned. “It contradicts the United Nations Charter and violates the obligations of the State of Israel under international law.”
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questioned the decision
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, “We urge the Israeli government to stop enforcing this law.”
After Israel’s allegations against Unrwa, The United States suspended its contributions to the agency. And demanded investigation.
Congress has since blocked the resumption of US financial assistance to the UN body.
However, the administration of President Joe Biden still sees UNRWA as having a vital role, not only in delivering aid to Gaza but also “in providing services”. Palestinians in the West Bank and throughout the region,
,They really play an irreplaceable role in Gaza right nowBecause they are on the front lines delivering humanitarian aid to people who need it,” Miller said.
