Israeli parliament makes groundbreaking decision about UN refugee agency
New law stops UNRWA from working in Israel after staff-related security issues. Western countries and UN leaders express worries about aid delivery to Palestinian areas
Benjamin Netanyahuʼs government passed new regulations that stop UNRWA from operating in Israel (the law doesnt affect Gaza operations)
The decision comes after findings that some agency workers took part in oct-7 attack — a fact that made Israeli lawmakers take quick action. “If the UN cant clean this organization from terrorism then we have to take measures“ said Sharren Haskel who helped write the law
This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role
The agency which helps millions of Palestinians in different middle-east areas faces big changes: its east-jerusalem work will stop in 90 days; but theres room for exceptions in future contacts with Israeli officials
UN confirmed this summer that 9 UNRWA workers might have joined the attack‚ and two Hamas leaders had agency jobs (both were killed in recent israeli strikes). Boaz Bismuth who co-wrote the law thinks UNRWA doesnt help peace in the region
- France
- Germany
- Britain
- Japan
- South Korea
- Canada
- Australia
These countries wrote a joint-statement showing their worry about the laws effect on aid delivery. They want UNRWA to keep working with its full un-mandate to help people who need support
Netanyahu said his team will work with other countries during the 90-day period to make sure aid keeps flowing to Gaza without putting israels safety at risk
