The Israeli parliament has approved a contentious bill to slap a ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa) from operating in Israeli-controlled areas, including the occupied Palestinian territories within 90 days.
UNRWA is an humanitarian aid provider in Gaza. The situation is worsening in Gaza amid a growing humanitarian crisis and pressure on Israel to allow aid access.
The ban that has not taken effect immediately would lead to the closure of Unrwa’s offices across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza. The closure will effectively stall the mission as mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
The operations of Unrwa have experienced immense challenges as hundreds of its staff killed amid recent conflicts, making this one of the deadliest periods for UN aid workers.
A heated debate sparked after the bill, which passed 92-10. The bill faced significant opposition from Arab parliamentary members.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has strongly condemned the decision. He said it set a dangerous precedent and would only deepen the suffering of Palestinians.
On the other hand, a second bill severing diplomatic ties with Unrwa was also set for a vote.
