Israel expels un agency after bold Knesset decision
Israeli parliamentarians have decided to expel UNRWA employees from their country. The government in Tel Aviv accuses them of "terrorist activities against Israel." The UN defends itself by arguing that Israel has not presented any evidence to support this claim.
On Monday, the Israeli Knesset voted on the UNRWA issue. The parliamentarians overwhelmingly passed a bill prohibiting the agency from conducting any activity and providing any services within Israel or from its territory.
The second approved measure severs formal ties with this organization and prohibits Israeli officials and institutions from cooperating with UNRWA. The regulations will take effect in 90 days.
The legal changes follow the Tel Aviv authorities' accusations, which have persisted for several months, that 12 UNRWA employees were directly involved in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
"UNRWA employees involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," reads a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Israel expels UN agency: "Unprecedented vote"
"The vote by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) against @UNRWA this evening is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent. It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law," wrote UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini on platform X. He added that the new Israeli law will deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, and its adoption should be regarded as "collective punishment."
Earlier, the agency stated that Israel has never provided convincing evidence confirming the alleged links of its employees with Hamas.
The European Union and the USA have expressed concern about the new law.
Israel bans relief organization's activities
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) employs over 30,000 workers, of whom 13,000 are in the Gaza Strip. Most are Palestinians.
Funded by the governments of other countries, UNRWA runs schools, provides medical care, and offers social services. It currently plays a significant role in delivering humanitarian aid to residents of the Gaza Strip, which has been affected by war for a year.
