The United States expressed deep concern over the legislation passed by the Knesset, as stated by U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, approved two laws that ban the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and cut off all official ties with the agency. This move has raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian aid in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
The first law, which prohibits the agency from operating in Israel, was passed by a vote of 92-10 on Monday. The second law, terminating all connections with UNRWA, was approved by a vote of 87-9.
These laws, set to take effect in 90 days, will prevent Israeli officials from communicating with UNRWA and remove legal immunities from the agency’s staff.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that if the laws were enforced, UNRWA would be unable to carry out its work in Gaza. The recent conflict has led to over 1.9 million Palestinians being displaced, causing severe shortages of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas in Gaza, leading to the suspension of U.S. funding in January due to allegations of staff involvement in Hamas attacks.
Guterres emphasized the importance of providing aid to displaced Palestinians in Gaza under international law, urging Israel to reconsider the legislation, which he described as a potential catastrophe.
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reiterated the U.S.’s deep concern over the legislation, highlighting the critical role of UNRWA in providing essential aid to civilians in Gaza.
Various international leaders, including Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and the Turkish Foreign Ministry, condemned the decision to ban UNRWA, emphasizing the agency’s vital role in humanitarian assistance.
UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, expressed concerns about the agency’s ability to continue operations, warning that they are nearing a breaking point due to the escalating crisis in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with global leaders urging Israel to reconsider the legislation and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need in the Gaza Strip.
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