Israel's parliament approved laws banning the activities of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in the country. Israel has long criticized the organization and accused its staff of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The Knesset adopted two documents. The first prohibits UNRWA from carrying out “any activities or services” in or from Israel. The second is to cut official ties with the organization and ban official cooperation and Israeli institutions with UNRWA.
Boaz Bismuth, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's Likud party who was one of the co-authors of the first draft of the law, said its adoption was a call for justice and a warning signal that “UNRWA is not an aid organization for refugees, but an aid agency for Hamas.”
The session of the Israeli parliament with the protests of the families of the hostages who were abducted by Hamas to the Gaza strip, demand the government to approve the ceasefire agreement as soon as possible, based on which the detainees will be released.
In the evening, an anti-government demonstration was held in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem. creation of an independent commission to investigate the actions of the government in connection with the October 7 attack. The police said that 9 people were arrested.
Protest pod KnessetmABIR SULTAN/PAP/EPA
Israel accuses UNRWA of involvement in the October 7 attack
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) serves more than 30,000 people. workers, including 13 thousand people in the Gaza Strip. Most of them are Palestinians.
UNRWA, which is funded by other countries' governments, deals with the following issues, among others: the work of schools, the provision of medical care and social welfare. Currently, it plays an important role in providing humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip, which is the result of the year-long war.
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At the beginning of the year, Israel accused 12 UNRWA workers of direct participation in the October 7 attack, later adding that a significant percentage – more than 10 percent – belonged to Hamas and its allies, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. – Employees of the Gazan organization. UNRWA has denied allegations of links between its staff and Hamas, saying Israel has never provided credible evidence.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement, “UNRWA staff involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.” It was also emphasized on the need to maintain humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip and it was said that the new law will come into force after 90 days and Israel is open to cooperation with other international aid organizations.
The Knesset passed a law banning the activities of UNRWADEBBIE HILL/PAP/EPA
European countries criticize Israel for UNRWA law
This unprecedented vote violates the United Nations Charter and Israel's obligations under international law, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini told X. He added that Israel's new law would deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, and that its adoption should be “collective punishment” should be treated.
The European Union and the United States also expressed concern about the new law. The UNRWA laws were passed on the first day of the Knesset's winter session, which convened on Monday after the summer break.
Germany's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned Israel's law banning the UN Refugee Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. Britain also expressed serious concern, and a joint statement of condemnation was issued by Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain.
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Luiz Amtsberg, Germany's Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, said the Knesset's decision “effectively impedes UNRWA's work in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem (…) and jeopardizes the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to millions of people.” puts.”
Amtsberg stressed that the implementation of the new law in its current form “would be a disastrous step” and “will hinder our efforts to ensure peace in the Middle East.”
“Israel's action against a UN-mandated organization that has been doing important work since 1950 is a dangerous sign of disrespect for the United Nations and international cooperation,” he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement expressing “serious concern” over the vote in the Israeli parliament. “This law threatens to impede UNRWA's vital work on behalf of the Palestinians and jeopardize all humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the provision of basic health and education services in the West Bank,” he said. He added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “simply unacceptable”.
Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain also expressed their anger and issued a joint statement. “The activity of this institution is important and irreplaceable for millions of Palestinians, especially in the current situation in the Gaza Strip,” the governments of these four countries wrote.
Main photo: DEBBIE HILL/PAP/EPA
