Mon Nov 04 09:33:56 UTC 2024: ## Israel Cuts Ties with UNRWA, Sparking Concerns Over Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
**Jerusalem, November 4, 2024:** Israel has formally severed ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), following a parliamentary vote to ban the organization. The move, announced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, has raised serious concerns about the impact on humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The decision comes after Israel accused UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which sparked a devastating war in Gaza. While investigations found some neutrality issues and potential involvement of a few employees, they did not confirm Israel’s main allegations.
Katz justified the decision by claiming UNRWA is “part of the problem” in Gaza and that only a small percentage of aid is delivered through the organization. However, experts warn that the ban will severely impact humanitarian work in the territory.
“The ban on UNRWA would be a blow to humanitarian work in Gaza if implemented,” said one expert.
The decision has also raised fears for UNRWA employees in the occupied West Bank, who could face difficulties with movement and access to East Jerusalem or Israel due to the loss of coordination with Israeli authorities.
The move has been met with condemnation from the international community, including the United States, Israel’s ally.
While Israel insists it will continue to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, critics argue the move will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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