October 29, 2024, 7:33 AM
October 29, 2024, 7:33 AM
The Israeli Parliament approved this Monday two laws that prohibit the activities of the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) in that country and in the occupied areas under its control.
Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed serious concerns about the move.
Before the vote, the US State Department warned that it was “deeply concerned” that the agency plays a “critical” role in distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli legislators approved the measure by 92 votes in favor and 10 againstafter years of harsh criticism against UNRWA, reported the AFP agency.
Israel accuses the agency of being practically complicit with the militant group Hamasnoting that some of its employees were involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in the Gaza Strip. An accusation that the agency denies.
For decades, UNRWA has provided a range of services and support to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, including healthcare and education.
The agency’s commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, said the decision will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians.
“The Israeli Parliament’s vote against UNRWA is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent,” Lazzarini warned. “It opposes the United Nations Charter and violates the obligations of the State of Israel under international law.”
Questioned decision
“We urge the government of Israel to stop implementing this legislation,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
Following Israel’s accusations against Unrwa, The United States suspended its contributions to the agency and demanded an investigation.
Congress has since prohibited the resumption of US financial assistance to the UN body.
However, President Joe Biden’s administration still sees UNRWA as playing a vital role, not only in delivering aid to Gaza but also “providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank and throughout the region“.
“They really play an irreplaceable role right now in Gazaas they are on the front lines bringing humanitarian assistance to people who need it,” Miller said.
