The Israeli parliament passed a bill on Monday (October 28) designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a “terrorist organization,” prohibiting the organization from operating within Israel and cutting off contact with it.
Israel’s international allies are concerned that this move may impact the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. UNRWA is a key organization providing education, healthcare, and other essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas.
Under the first law, UNRWA will be prohibited from conducting “any activities” or providing any services within Israel. The second law will sever Israel’s diplomatic relations with the organization.
For years, Israel has vehemently criticized UNRWA, alleging that some of its employees are also affiliated with Hamas, and suspecting that the organization has been infiltrated.
Israel has also accused UNRWA of having employees involved in Hamas attacks that sparked the Gaza war last year. Military assets of Hamas have been discovered under UNRWA facilities by Israel.
Following investigations, UNRWA has dismissed 9 employees but denied aiding Hamas knowingly, committing to taking swift action to remove suspected Hamas individuals within the organization.
During the conflict, Israel had targeted UNRWA schools or facilities multiple times, claiming armed individuals were operating from there.
“This law we are passing now is not just another law. It is a call for justice and a warning sign,” said Member of Parliament Boaz Bismuth, who co-sponsored one of the bills. He added, “UNRWA is not a refugee assistance organization. It is an aid organization for Hamas.”
However, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini described these laws as a “dangerous precedent.”
Lazzarini stated that the new laws passed by Israel are part of a continuous effort to “vilify UNRWA’s actions.”
He said on the social platform X, “These laws will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza.”
A spokesperson for Member of Parliament Dan Illouz, a co-sponsor of one of the laws, mentioned that these laws will come into effect within 60 to 90 days after notification to the United Nations by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated on X, “UNRWA personnel involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. It is crucial to continue providing humanitarian aid in Gaza now and in the future while also avoiding a humanitarian crisis.”
The Netanyahu office added, “Before the legislation takes effect within 90 days and after, we are ready at all times to collaborate with international partners to ensure humanitarian aid for Gaza civilians without threatening Israel’s security.”
Israel has not outlined how humanitarian aid will be provided under the limitations imposed on UNRWA’s operations. It is also uncertain how aid flow will be affected once these laws take effect.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern about the legislation before the vote, stating that “no one can currently replace them in the crisis.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed deep regret regarding the legislation and stated that “earlier this year, allegations against UNRWA staff had been thoroughly investigated, and there were no grounds to sever ties with UNRWA.”
Lammy added that banning the organization does not align with Israel’s “interests.”