Israel bans UNRWA operations, impacting Gaza aid amid conflict

Israeli lawmakers approved legislation on Monday that may hinder the U.N. agency responsible for aiding people in Gaza by prohibiting its operations within Israeli territory. This decision marks a further deterioration in the strained relationship between Israel and the U.N. International allies of Israel expressed significant concern over the potential effects on Palestinians, particularly as the humanitarian crisis intensifies due to the ongoing conflict. The new law targets the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, forbidding it from performing any activities or offering services within Israel. This move threatens to disrupt aid distribution in Gaza just as the U.S. pressures Israel to increase aid.

Israel accuses some UNRWA staff of involvement in last year’s Hamas attacks that triggered the Gaza conflict. Israel claims that hundreds of agency employees have links to militants and that Hamas military equipment was discovered near or beneath UNRWA facilities. The agency dismissed nine workers following an investigation but refutes allegations of knowingly supporting armed groups, claiming it swiftly removes any suspected militants. Some allegations led to a reduction in international funding, though some has been reinstated.

Boaz Bismuth, a lawmaker co-sponsoring the bill, stated, “This law is not just another bill. It is a call for justice.” The legislation passed with a 92-10 vote after intense debate, mainly opposed by Arab parliamentary party members. A second bill aimed at severing diplomatic ties with UNRWA was also under consideration. Yuli Edelstein, who led committee discussions on the bills, insisted they were not intended to disrupt Israel’s efforts to ensure Gaza receives humanitarian aid, though the future impact remains uncertain.

When Israel went from war criminals to a pariah state

Israeli Knesset voted to ban UNRWA from Gaza

The Speaker of the Knesset declares a UN aid agency to be a terror organisation

International sanctions now. The Hague next pic.twitter.com/AGzYexOCqh#Israel #UNWRA #PariahState

— Jerry Hicks (@JerryHicksUnite) October 29, 2024

These bills would effectively cut ties with the U.N. agency, removing its legal protections and limiting its ability to assist Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. No provisions for alternative organisations to manage its duties are included. This would significantly impact the agency and Palestinians in Gaza, where more than 1.9 million people face dire shortages of essentials. International aid groups and some Western allies, including the U.S., have voiced strong opposition.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern, noting that no other entity could replace the agency in the current crisis. UNRWA offers education, healthcare, and essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, including the West Bank. According to a spokesperson for lawmaker Dan Illouz, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, the laws would be enforced 60 to 90 days after Israel’s Foreign Ministry informs the U.N.

Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, warned, “If it’s implemented, it’s a disaster.” The agency is the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza, providing critical services. The death toll in Gaza exceeded 43,000 on Monday, as reported by Gaza officials, amid ongoing Israeli raids. The Palestinian Health Ministry indicates that over half of the casualties are women and children. The escalating death toll coincides with Israel intensifying its offensive in northern Gaza, targeting locations like a hospital allegedly used by militants.

On Friday, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. An Israeli military official reported heavy fighting around the hospital and discovered weapons inside, though not naming individuals due to regulations. The military confirmed the raid concluded on Monday. Israel has conducted several hospital raids in Gaza, alleging misuse by Hamas and other militants. Palestinian medical officials deny these claims, accusing the military of endangering civilians.

According to @bbcnews, Israel, the country that’s spent over a year doing THIS to Gaza 👇 and blocking aid distribution, has banned UNRWA and will distribute aid to Gaza itself. 👀

Gets even more twisted and warped by the day. Because we let it. pic.twitter.com/oDLVB3XW1h

— peter james needham (@pjneedham40) October 28, 2024

The Israeli military reported detaining 100 suspected Hamas militants in the latest raid. Medical staff were also detained and searched as some militants disguised themselves as medics. The World Health Organization accused Israel of detaining 44 male hospital staff, though discrepancies in figures remain unclear. Palestinian officials reported significant damage to the hospital, which was treating 200 patients at the time.

Israel has urged Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza, where major offensives have persisted for over three weeks. The operation in Jabaliya is expected to last several more weeks, according to officials. The U.N. reported earlier this month that at least 400,000 people are in northern Gaza, where hunger is rampant due to reduced humanitarian aid.

The Israel-Hamas conflict began when Hamas and other groups attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping 250 others. The conflict has destabilised the Middle East, sparking clashes between Israel and Hezbollah and escalating tensions with Iran. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly targeted the southern city of Tyre, following an evacuation order from the Israeli military, according to Monday’s state-run National News Agency report.

International mediators are renewing efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. After previous attempts collapsed, discussions continue following a meeting in Qatar between Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA head David Burns, and the Qatari prime minister. Various proposals are under consideration to bring Israel and Hamas to a ceasefire agreement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has suggested a two-day ceasefire in exchange for releasing four hostages.

Israel seems open to the proposal. One Israeli official mentioned ongoing discussions with Egyptian authorities, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly expressed interest during a Likud party meeting. Officials spoke anonymously due to restrictions on discussing internal deliberations with media. Hamas has not formally responded to the plan, and comments from Hamas officials were unavailable on Monday.