On Monday, Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, despite global concerns about the humanitarian impact.
The vote passed with 92 votes for and 10 against, following Israel’s years-long criticism of UNRWA. The agency, which has provided essential aid and services to Palestinians for over 70 years, warned the legislation could hinder its humanitarian mission in Gaza.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the decision, calling it a dangerous precedent that would deepen Palestinian suffering. Several governments, including the US, UK, and Germany, echoed concerns that blocking UNRWA could threaten access to health, education, and essential services for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Ahead of the vote, the US warned Israel it had 30 days to improve aid distribution in Gaza or it would consider withholding some military assistance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that this move jeopardises the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza.
The decision comes after Israel alleged some UNRWA employees were involved in Hamas’s deadly attacks on October 7, 2023. An inquiry found nine employees may have been involved, although evidence remains inconclusive. Likud lawmaker Yuli Edelstein stated that there is a deep connection between Hamas and UNRWA, calling the agency an enemy presence.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would still work to ensure humanitarian aid for Gaza, adding that any workers involved in anti-Israel activities should face accountability.
Hamas called the ban “Zionist aggression,” and the Palestinian presidency said the move demonstrates Israel’s transformation into a fascist state.
The bill, which takes effect in 90 days, restricts UNRWA from providing services in East Jerusalem neighbourhoods and could impede UNRWA staff movements across checkpoints.
UNRWA has experienced significant losses, including 223 staff deaths, since the latest Gaza conflict began on October 7, resulting in over 43,000 fatalities in Gaza and 1,206 in Israel, according to AFP and UN estimates. UNRWA, established in 1949, has been crucial in supporting Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.