Synopsis
On January 30, Israel declared it would terminate all connections with the UNRWA, accusing it of links to Hamas and terrorism in Gaza. The Israeli government plans to redirect humanitarian aid through alternative channels amid international criticism.Key Takeaways
- Israel is severing ties with UNRWA.
- Accusations involve Hamas operatives and terror activity.
- Humanitarian aid will be redirected through other organizations.
- A law mandates the end of UNRWA's operations on Israeli territory.
- UNRWA denies allegations and cites disinformation.
Jerusalem, Jan 30 (NationPress) - Israel announced its decision to sever all connections with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) effective Thursday. The Israeli government accuses the agency of employing Hamas operatives and facilitating terror activity in Gaza.
According to Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein, "UNRWA is infested with Hamas." He stated on social media platform X, "Starting January 30, Israel will end all interactions with UNRWA in compliance with Israeli law."
Marmorstein also emphasized Israel's dedication to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, but noted that this support will be directed through alternative organizations, such as other UN agencies, international NGOs, and foreign governments, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
An Israeli law enacted in October 2024 mandates the termination of UNRWA's operations on Israeli territory — including East Jerusalem, which Israel has annexed in a move not recognized internationally — along with severing contact with Israeli authorities starting Thursday. The legislation also prohibits any interactions between Israeli officials and UNRWA. This decision has sparked backlash from global leaders and humanitarian organizations.
UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in providing healthcare, education, and emergency services to millions of Palestinians, has refuted the accusations, stating that it has not received any formal evidence from Israel to support these claims.
Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, remarked on Tuesday that the agency has been subjected to an aggressive disinformation campaign aimed at depicting it as a terrorist entity.
The UNRWA headquarters is facing an imminent shutdown due to restrictions enacted by the Israeli legislature in October. These measures jeopardize the organization's operations across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, where UNRWA supports approximately 2 million Palestinians, many of whom find themselves homeless due to the ongoing 15-month Israel-Hamas war.
