In a bold and contentious decision, Israel’s Knesset has enacted legislation that effectively halts the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
This agency has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, yet it has faced increasing scrutiny from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who alleges connections between its staff and terrorism.
The move comes on the heels of a U.N. investigation that, while dismissing some claims, indicated that nine UNRWA employees could be implicated in the October 7 attacks on Israel. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that if these allegations are substantiated, those involved would be dismissed. Netanyahu has reinforced his stance, insisting that accountability is paramount while assuring that Israel remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilians, as long as security concerns are addressed—especially during the 90-day transitional period leading up to the legislation’s full implementation.
International Concerns and U.N. Response
The ban has sparked international alarm, with the Biden administration warning that it could endanger essential aid services during a critical humanitarian crisis. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, recently branded “persona non grata” by Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, criticized the legislation, stressing that there is “no alternative to UNRWA.” He hinted at potential intervention by the U.N. General Assembly, asserting that the ban may violate Israel’s obligations under the U.N. Charter. Lazzarini echoed these sentiments, calling the legislation “collective punishment” that risks leaving millions of Palestinian refugees without vital services and labeling it a “dangerous precedent” that undermines UNRWA’s mission.
Global Reaction and Local Support for the Ban
The international response has largely been one of condemnation, with key allies like France, Germany, Britain, and Canada highlighting UNRWA’s critical humanitarian role. Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin, alongside representatives from Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, affirmed that UNRWA’s contributions are “essential and irreplaceable” for Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza.
On the other hand, Israeli lawmakers backing the ban contend that UNRWA’s operations are detrimental to regional peace. Boaz Bismuth, a co-author of the legislation, argued that the agency does not contribute to the stability Israel seeks in the Middle East, advocating for a fundamentally different approach to achieve lasting peace.
Ongoing Tensions with the United Nations
This legislation unfolds against the backdrop of Netanyahu’s recent address at the U.N. General Assembly, where he accused the organization of fostering an “antisemitic swamp.” As tensions rise, Israeli forces have conducted operations in Lebanon, where allegations of attacks on U.N. peacekeepers under U.N. Resolution 1701 have surfaced. Israel has denied these accusations, asserting that it provided warnings to peacekeepers in areas where its troops were engaged against Hezbollah. This latest development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing strain between Israel and the U.N., revealing deeper geopolitical rifts as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold.
