On Monday, 28 October, the Israeli parliament passed a law banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel. The decision was made amid accusations of possible involvement of some of the agency’s employees in the 7 October attack on southern Israel and in ties with Hamas and other armed groups, Reuters reports.
The ban has caused concern among Israel’s international partners, including the UN, as it could affect the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where UNRWA provides vital assistance. Despite the fact that the ban does not apply to the Palestinian territories, there are concerns that the humanitarian situation in Gaza could deteriorate significantly amid the fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.
Commenting on the law, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “UNRWA staff involved in terrorist acts against Israel must be brought to justice. But it is vital that humanitarian aid remains available to civilians in Gaza.” He stressed that during the 90 days before the law comes into force, Israel is ready to cooperate with international partners to ensure that assistance is provided without jeopardising the country’s security.
In addition to the ban on the agency’s activities, the new law contains an amendment restricting contacts between Israeli authorities and UNRWA, although exceptions are possible in certain cases.
