Israel’s Knesset has enacted legislation barring the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within Israeli territory and sharply restricting its activities in Gaza and the West Bank. Passed amid substantial international opposition, this decision reflects Israeli concerns over UNRWA’s alleged links to militant factions and accusations of fostering anti-Israel sentiment.
The first of the two bills was passed by a majority of 92 to 10, prohibiting UNRWA’s activities in Israel. This measure will prevent any UNRWA representatives from entering Israeli territory, effectively terminating the agency’s direct involvement within the state.
The second bill, approved by an 87 to 9 vote, restricts Israeli government contact with UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank, blocking coordination and complicating the agency’s ability to operate in these areas.
UNRWA’s Role and Controversial Allegations
UNRWA was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. With operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, the agency provides health, education, and social services to millions of Palestinians.
However, Israel has long been critical of UNRWA, citing concerns over its unique mandate, which extends refugee status to descendants of those displaced in 1948, contrasting with the policies applied to other global refugee populations. Israeli leaders argue this perpetuates dependency among Palestinians and fuels tensions.
Adding to the scrutiny, Israeli authorities have recently intensified their accusations against UNRWA, claiming that some of its Gaza-based employees have ties to Hamas, a militant group deemed a terrorist organisation by Israel and several Western countries.
According to Israeli officials, over 10 percent of UNRWA’s Gaza staff allegedly have affiliations with militant factions. Furthermore, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported the discovery of a Hamas data centre beneath UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters in early 2024. These allegations prompted increased calls for the agency’s curtailment within Israeli territory and the areas it governs.
Israel’s recent military operations in Gaza have also targeted alleged Hamas facilities within UNRWA-managed schools and clinics, further exacerbating calls for a reassessment of the agency’s role.
The Knesset vote took place shortly after UNRWA confirmed that a senior Hamas operative killed in an Israeli airstrike had been employed by the agency.
Responses from UNRWA and the International Community
UNRWA officials have condemned the Knesset’s decision as a violation of Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter, with spokesperson Juliette Touma labelling the move as an “outrage” and arguing that it undermines humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. She further expressed that the decision endangers the welfare of Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, where UNRWA has played a prominent role in relief efforts during recent escalations of conflict.
In response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell warned of the humanitarian repercussions of the decision, predicting that it would worsen the already dire situation for Palestinians in Gaza. The US Department of State echoed these concerns, describing the legislation as “deeply troubling,” particularly for humanitarian efforts in the densely populated Gaza enclave.
Notably, British Foreign Minister David Lammy voiced regret, remarking that the decision could intensify the challenges faced by vulnerable Palestinian populations. Lammy argued that previous allegations against UNRWA staff were thoroughly investigated and did not substantiate the need to cease all cooperation with the agency. However, despite international appeals, Israel proceeded with the legislation.
Israeli Government’s Position and Humanitarian Assurances
In the wake of the vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement acknowledging the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance in Gaza, promising collaboration with international partners to sustain relief efforts without compromising Israel’s security.
While Netanyahu’s government has advocated a gradual reduction of UNRWA’s involvement in favour of other international organisations such as the World Food Program and UNICEF, it also pledged to prevent a humanitarian crisis from unfolding in Gaza.
This commitment includes a 90-day window before the legislation’s implementation, during which Israel intends to work with international partners to secure alternative channels for aid delivery. This approach reflects a broader Israeli strategy to balance national security interests with the necessity of humanitarian support in the region.
Support and Opposition within Israel
The legislation’s passage has been praised by members of the Knesset’s right-wing bloc, including Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, who sponsored the bill banning UNRWA from Israel. Bismuth celebrated the decision as a security milestone, claiming it ends a “long-standing reliance” on an agency allegedly linked to anti-Israel sentiments and terrorism.
Other supporters, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, also welcomed the decision, asserting that it sends a firm message to those opposing Israel’s security policies.
However, the legislation has faced criticism from left-wing and Arab MKs, with Hadash-Ta’al MK Aida Touma-Sliman accusing Israel of enacting “collective punishment” against Palestinian civilians. MK Ahmad Tibi, also from Hadash-Ta’al, described the law as “fascist” and argued that it further distances Israel from peace with Palestinian communities.
Heated exchanges in the Knesset accompanied the vote, underscoring the deep political divisions over Israel’s approach to managing the Palestinian refugee issue.
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