- Israel’s parliament passed two bills banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and Palestinian territories.
- It designated the agency as a terrorist organization and severed all ties.
- Nearly 2 million Palestinians rely on UNRWA for essentials in Gaza.
- Israel claims some UNRWA employees have links to militant groups.
- Israel presented evidence alleging some UNRWA staff’s involvement in recent attacks.
- It revokes the agency’s legal immunities.
UNRWA:
- Following the 1948 War, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees.
- In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the General Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2026.
- UNRWA provides education, healthcare, relief, and emergency services for approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
- Funded mainly through donor contributions, UNRWA employs around 30,000 Palestinians.
- These measures may force UNRWA to cease operations in Gaza and the West Bank, affecting its East Jerusalem headquarters.
- In the West Bank, UNRWA currently provides essential services to refugee camps, schools, and health facilities.
Dig Deeper: Read about the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
