The Israeli Knesset has approved legislation aimed at shutting down the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israel. This move was celebrated by Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky from the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, who credited the leadership’s courage for this decision. The bill was dedicated to victims of violence associated with UNRWA, including specific individuals who were impacted by terrorist activities. The legislation involved two bills, one from the coalition and another from the opposition, seeking to terminate an agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate in Israel and cut ties between Israel and UNRWA.
The decision to pass this legislation was made after evidence emerged that UNRWA had been infiltrated by Hamas, with some employees suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. Despite concerns from the Biden-Harris administration about potential consequences for Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services, the bill proceeded. There were efforts by the U.S. to dissuade Israeli politicians from advancing the legislation, but it ultimately passed. The State Department stressed the importance of UNRWA for providing healthcare and education in Gaza and expressed concerns about the impact of terminating its operations.
In response to critics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need to hold UNRWA workers accountable for terrorist activities while ensuring humanitarian aid continues in Gaza. Israel’s United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon highlighted that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas for years, prompting the need for action to limit UNRWA’s activities in Israel. However, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres condemned the legislation, noting its potential devastating consequences for Palestine refugees. International reactions to the Knesset’s decision have been swift, with governments like Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and Norway denouncing the move as detrimental to humanitarian efforts in the region.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed concern over the unprecedented Knesset vote and warned of the dangerous precedent it sets, potentially violating Israel’s international obligations. Prior to the legislation passing, the State Department highlighted the vital role of UNRWA in providing humanitarian support and warned against suspending its operations in Gaza. The passage of the legislation has raised questions about the future of humanitarian assistance in the region and the implications for U.S. security aid to Israel. Despite international criticism, Israel remains committed to working with other U.N. organizations to support humanitarian efforts while addressing security concerns.
