Israel Bans UN Relief Agency Amid Escalating Conflict in Gaza
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli Knesset has passed legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within its borders. This move, condemned by international allies, follows a lethal Israeli attack in northern Gaza that reportedly resulted in at least 55 fatalities and numerous injuries. Supporters of the ban claim it is necessary for national security, labeling UNRWA a terrorist organization, while critics assert that the agency plays an essential role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, especially amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza. The UN Secretary-General has described UNRWA as indispensable, warning that the ban may deepen the suffering of many Palestinians trapped in conflict. The U.S. has expressed deep concern over the implications of these new laws, highlighting fears of a worsening humanitarian situation. With the approval of these bills, Israel is set to significantly restrict the delivery of crucial aid to Gaza, raising alarms over the increasing hardships faced by its residents.
POLITICO Europe, Al Jazeera English, BBC.com, Reuters, CNN, DW (English), The Times of Israel, The Associated Press, The Guardian, The New York Times