Israel Bans UN Relief Agency from Operating in Country, Alarming Western Allies
Israel Passes Law Banning UNRWA from Operating in Country
Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating inside the country, alarming some of Israel’s Western allies who fear it will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Background
Israeli officials cited the involvement of a handful of UNRWA staffers in the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and a few staffers’ membership in Hamas and other armed groups. "UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
UNRWA Response
The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said the vote opposes the U.N. charter and violates international law. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees," he wrote on social media platform X.
Ceasefire Talks
Talks led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire resumed on Sunday after multiple abortive attempts. Egypt’s president proposed a two-day truce to exchange four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by talks within 10 days on a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu had said mediators would resume talks in coming days "in a continued attempt to advance a deal."
Gaza Situation Worsens
The vote came the same day Israeli tanks thrust deeper into northern Gaza, trapping 100,000 civilians, the Palestinian emergency service said, in what Israel’s military said were operations to eliminate regrouping Hamas militants. The Gaza Strip’s health ministry said at least 19 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes and bombardment on Monday.
Regional Developments
Gaza’s war has kindled wider conflict in the Middle East, raising concern about global oil supplies, with Israel bombing Lebanon and sending forces into its south to disable Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Hamas ally. At least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes on three villages in eastern Lebanon’s city of Baalbek, the Lebanese health ministry said on Monday. The conflict also triggered rare direct clashes between regional arch-foes Israel and Iran.
Conclusion
The latest developments in the Middle East indicate a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Israel’s military expansion into northern Gaza and the Palestinian emergency service reporting 100,000 civilians trapped and facing dire conditions. The ban on UNRWA’s operations will exacerbate the situation, and it is crucial for international stakeholders to push for a ceasefire and a solution that prioritizes the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
FAQs
Q: Why did Israel pass a law to ban UNRWA from operating in the country?
A: Israel cited the involvement of a handful of UNRWA staffers in the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and a few staffers’ membership in Hamas and other armed groups.
Q: What is the current situation in Gaza?
A: The Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported at least 19 people killed by Israeli airstrikes and bombardment on Monday, and the Palestinian emergency service reported 100,000 civilians trapped in northern Gaza.
Q: What is the global response to the crisis in Gaza?
A: The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have led ceasefire talks, and international stakeholders are concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation and the risk of regional conflict escalation.