Wed Oct 30 04:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Israel Outlaws UNRWA, Sparking International Condemnation

The Israeli Knesset, in a controversial move, passed legislation outlawing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), sparking widespread international condemnation. The decision, supported by a majority of lawmakers including opposition parties, was hailed by Israeli officials as a victory against terrorism but drew criticism from the international community, including Israel’s closest ally, the United States.

The two bills, presented by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein, effectively prohibit UNRWA from operating within Israel and terminate the treaty between Israel and the agency. While the legislation applies to only one refugee camp in Jerusalem, Shuafat, and UNRWA headquarters in Armon Hanatziv, it is expected to have a significant impact on the agency’s operations in other areas.

The move has raised concerns over the potential humanitarian crisis it could trigger. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the legislation could prevent UNRWA from providing essential aid to Palestinians in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem. The US State Department expressed similar concerns, stating that the decision could lead to the cessation of UNRWA operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, affecting over 3 million Palestinians reliant on the agency for essential services like healthcare and education.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while acknowledging the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis, defended the legislation, stating that UNRWA personnel involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. He further stated that Israel is committed to ensuring continued humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and will work with international partners to find alternative solutions.

The passage of the legislation has left many questioning the future of Palestinian aid and the potential consequences of eliminating UNRWA, a vital lifeline for millions of Palestinians for over seven decades. The international community is urging Israel to reconsider its decision and find alternative solutions to ensure continued humanitarian assistance without jeopardizing the security of its citizens.

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