Israeli members of parliament have approved two bills banning the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which helps Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza.The agency was created in 1949, to handle Palestinian refugees after the creation of the state of Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war.
Established in 1949, to deal with Palestinian refugees after the creation of the state of Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on Monday was banned from operating on Israeli territory and areas under Israel’s control.
The Israeli parliament adopted two controvertial bills accusing the UN agency of aiding Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. According to RT, Members of the Knesset voted 92-10 in favor of the bill declaring that UNRWA will no longer “operate any institution, provide any service, or conduct any activity, whether directly or indirectly” in Israel.
The second legislation, which declares UNRWA a “terror” group and bans Israeli officials from any contact with the agency, passed 87-9.
Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman, Yuli Edelstein following the passing of the bill, described the move as a historic one.
The agency’s chief Philippe Lazzarini said on X, “This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA… These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians,”
The bills, which do not include provisions for alternative organisations to oversee its work, have been strongly criticised by international aid groups and a handful of Israel’s Western allies.
Matthew Miller US State Department spokesman noted that The United States said it was “deeply concerned” about the bill.
Its worth noting that The UN agency has provided assistance across Palestinian territory including the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, as well as to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria for more than seven decades.
