This week, Israel made headlines with a bold decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders. The decision, passed into law by Israel’s parliament, comes on the heels of escalating tensions in Gaza, where Israel has been in a prolonged conflict with Hamas. Israeli lawmakers cited security concerns as their reason, pointing to reports of UNRWA staff with alleged links to armed groups, including Hamas. Although the ban doesn’t extend to Gaza, it does have implications for UNRWA’s operations in East Jerusalem and Israel, adding a new layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
This development has sparked both local and international reactions, as UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, including food, education, healthcare, and other essential services across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. With the agency being one of the primary providers of these services in Gaza, the question on many minds is how this decision will impact Palestinians and the broader humanitarian mission.
Background: UNRWA and Its Role in the Region
UNRWA was established decades ago to address the needs of Palestinian refugees. Today, it provides aid to millions of Palestinians in need, making it a lifeline for many families facing instability in the region. For many Palestinian children, UNRWA’s schools are the only opportunity they have to access education, while its health services ensure that families receive essential medical care. Despite the vital role it plays, UNRWA’s relationship with Israel has always been strained, as some Israeli officials argue that the organization inadvertently supports anti-Israel sentiments through its services.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has put additional strain on this already tenuous relationship. Israel has been outspoken in its criticism of UNRWA, calling for it to be disbanded and its responsibilities handed over to other UN bodies that Israel views as more neutral. In August, UNRWA announced the firing of nine employees who were allegedly involved in the October 7 assault on Israel or connected to militant groups. These revelations, combined with ongoing security concerns, set the stage for the new legislation banning UNRWA from operating in Israel.
Israel’s Justification and the International Response
Israel’s leaders argue that the ban is necessary to protect the country’s security and ensure that no resources are indirectly used to support groups that pose a threat to Israeli citizens. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defending the decision, stated, “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.” However, Netanyahu emphasized that the government would continue to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, albeit through channels that do not compromise Israeli security.
Many in the international community, however, have expressed grave concerns over the law. Foreign ministers from countries such as France, Germany, Britain, and Canada released a joint statement urging Israel to reconsider its stance on UNRWA. They stressed the importance of humanitarian aid in Gaza, especially given the already dire living conditions. UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that this legislation could set a “dangerous precedent” and argued that the UN has a responsibility to uphold its mandate to assist Palestinian refugees. In his statement, Lazzarini pointed out that UNRWA has been a consistent presence in the region, delivering humanitarian support despite increasing political challenges.
UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma also shared concerns about the potential ripple effects of Israel’s ban. She highlighted that past attempts to replace UNRWA with other organizations had “failed miserably” and cautioned that disrupting the agency’s operations could lead to increased instability, particularly in East Jerusalem.
The Humanitarian Impact in Gaza
For Palestinians living in Gaza, the decision raises serious questions about access to critical resources. With a high poverty rate and limited access to basic services, Gaza heavily relies on UNRWA’s operations to meet the needs of its population. Health facilities and schools funded by the agency are essential for countless families, especially as the ongoing conflict with Israel continues to create disruptions. Aid workers are concerned that restricting UNRWA’s presence in East Jerusalem and Israel may add hurdles to the agency’s ability to deliver services to Gaza efficiently, given the interconnected nature of its operations across the region.
Israel has stated that, while it is enforcing this ban, it will also take steps to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza through other international organizations. Lawmaker Sharren Haskel argued that organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Program could step in to meet the region’s needs. However, aid experts caution that transferring responsibilities from an established agency like UNRWA to other entities could lead to delays and logistical issues, as those organizations lack the same infrastructure and familiarity with Gaza’s unique challenges.
A Tense Path Forward
With this legislation now in place, UNRWA and its supporters are exploring their next steps. There is concern that this move could be the beginning of a larger effort to phase out the agency in the region, an outcome Israel has pushed for in recent years. Critics argue that banning UNRWA may only worsen tensions and increase the suffering of vulnerable populations, while Israel maintains that the law is a necessary measure to prevent its security from being compromised.
In the coming weeks, UNRWA plans to work closely with international partners to find solutions that allow it to continue its work in Gaza without clashing with Israeli law. For now, one thing is clear: this decision has underscored the deep divides in the region and the challenges that lie ahead in balancing security concerns with humanitarian needs. The question remains whether Israel and the international community can find a way to protect civilians without compromising either side’s goals.
