Israel Announces the End of Its Agreement with UNRWA Amid Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

People distribute bags of flour to Palestinians at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) aid distribution center in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip Nov 4, 2024 Photo: EFE

November 4, 2024 Hour: 7:04 pm

UNRWA plays a crucial role in managing schools and providing essential services, such as healthcare and food assistance, in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by recent conflicts.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the UN about the termination of its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision comes in a context of increasing tension and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the situation has become “catastrophic,” according to recent reports from the UN.

In an official statement, the Israeli ministry emphasized that UNRWA will be replaced by other international organizations, indicating that preparations are underway to completely disengage from the agency. “Alternatives to UNRWA will be strengthened,” the statement stressed.

There is no alternative to @UNRWA in #Gaza, where over 2 million people rely on humanitarian aid.

Since the war began, UNRWA has:
– Distributed flour to around 1.9 million people
– Provided over 6.1 million primary healthcare consultations
– Reached over 510,000 children with… pic.twitter.com/i0Z8BJ0qhF
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 4, 2024

Israel’s announcement follows the approval of new laws in the Knesset that prohibit UNRWA operations within the country and limit cooperation between Israeli authorities and the agency.

The legislation, which will come into effect in three months, has generated a wave of criticism from the UN and the international community, who warn about the devastating consequences this decision could have for Palestinians amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Israel has justified its decision by alleging that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the attack carried out by Hamas against Israeli communities in October. However, this claim has been met with skepticism and concern from various international actors.

UNRWA was established in 1948 following the conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. Its closure could further exacerbate the already critical situation faced by Palestinian refugees in the region.