Palestinians' Lifeline Under Threat as Israel Bans UNRWA Operations
Israel's UNRWA ban has sent shockwaves globally, with the international community condemning the move as a "dangerous precedent" ¹. The Knesset's decision to brand the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) a "terror" group and ban it from operating in Israel within 90 days has severe implications for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The ban prevents UNRWA from conducting "any activity" or providing crucial life support to Palestinians, effectively blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza via Rafah ¹. This move is particularly concerning amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where civilians are already facing immense hardship.
UNRWA's Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, has denounced the bill, stating it opposes the UN Charter and violates Israel's obligations under international law ¹. The agency provides essential services, including education, healthcare, and shelter, to over 2 million Palestinian refugees.
*Global Reaction*
- _UN Secretary-General António Guterres_: Urged Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law ¹.
- _WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus_: Described UNRWA as an "irreplaceable lifeline" for Palestinians, emphasizing the devastating consequences of the ban ¹.
- _UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer_: Expressed concerns, highlighting the jeopardization of essential health and education services in the West Bank ¹.
- _China, Russia, Jordan, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain_: Condemned the Knesset's decision to ban UNRWA [2).
The Palestinian presidency has rejected and condemned the Israeli legislation, calling it a reflection of Israel's transformation into a "fascist state" ¹. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have also denounced the move.
*Humanitarian Concerns*
The ban threatens to collapse the largest aid agency in the Gaza Strip, where children are already dying due to lack of access to basic necessities ². With UNRWA's funding already frozen by major donors, the agency is at a breaking point [3).
As the international community calls for Israel to reconsider, the fate of Palestinian refugees hangs in the balance. Will Israel reverse its decision, or will the ban on UNRWA exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? The world watches with bated breath.
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