Israeli legislators approved two laws on Monday that could jeopardize the operations of the primary U.N. agency providing aid to individuals in Gaza by prohibiting it from working on Israeli soil, cutting ties with it, and labeling it as a terrorist organization.
These laws, although not immediately enforceable, mark a new low in the already strained relationship between Israel and the U.N. International allies of Israel have expressed deep concerns about the potential impact on Palestinians, especially as the humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate.
The first law would ban the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) from conducting any activities or providing services within Israel, while the second law would sever diplomatic relations with the agency. These measures could disrupt the already fragile aid distribution process in Gaza, at a time when Israel is facing pressure from the U.S. to increase assistance.
Israel has accused some UNRWA staff members of being involved in Hamas attacks that triggered the conflict in Gaza. The country also claims that hundreds of UNRWA employees have ties to militant groups and that Hamas military assets have been found near or under UNRWA facilities. While the agency has fired nine employees following an investigation, it denies knowingly supporting armed groups and asserts that it takes swift action to remove any suspected militants from its ranks.
Lawmaker Boaz Bismuth, a co-sponsor of one of the bills, emphasized the significance of the legislation, stating, “UNRWA is not an aid agency for refugees. It is an aid agency for Hamas.” The first law passed with a vote of 92-10, while the second law was approved 87-9 after a heated debate between supporters and opponents.
Despite assurances from lawmaker Yuli Edelstein that the laws are not intended to hinder humanitarian aid to Gaza, the potential consequences of these measures remain unclear. If implemented, the laws would sever ties with UNRWA, remove its legal immunities, and limit its ability to support Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. There are no provisions in place for alternative organizations to take over its operations.
These changes could have a devastating impact on both the agency and the Palestinian population in Gaza, where over 1.9 million individuals are displaced and facing severe shortages of essential resources like food, water, and medicine.
International aid groups and some of Israel’s Western allies, including the U.S., have strongly criticized these laws. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over the legislation, highlighting the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in the current crisis.
UNRWA provides crucial services such as education and healthcare to millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, including those in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
According to a spokesperson for lawmaker Dan Illouz, one of the co-sponsors of the laws, they will come into effect 60 to 90 days after Israel’s Foreign Ministry notifies the U.N.
Juliette Touma, the communications director for UNRWA, described the situation as a disaster, questioning who would be able to fulfill the agency’s vital role in Gaza.
As the conflict in Gaza persists, reports from officials in the region indicate that the death toll from the year-long fighting has surpassed 43,000, with the majority of the victims being civilians, including women and children.
Israeli forces recently targeted the northern region of Gaza, including a hospital where militants were reportedly operating from. While the Israeli military conducted a raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital, they claim that no fighting took place inside the facility, but weapons were discovered on the premises. The raid has since concluded.
Throughout the course of the war, Israel has targeted several hospitals in Gaza, alleging that they are being used by Hamas and other militant groups for military purposes. Palestinian medical officials deny these allegations and accuse the Israeli military of endangering civilians.
The World Health Organization reported that 44 male hospital staff were detained by Israeli forces during the recent raid. Palestinian officials stated that the hospital, which was treating around 200 patients, sustained significant damage as a result of the operation.
The Israeli military detained 100 suspected Hamas militants during the raid, with some of them reportedly disguising themselves as medical personnel.
The U.N. has warned that at least 400,000 people in northern Gaza are facing severe food shortages due to the decrease in humanitarian aid reaching the region.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began following attacks by militants that resulted in numerous casualties and abductions. The war has escalated tensions in the Middle East, leading to clashes between Israel and Hezbollah as well as Israel and Iran.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted the city of Tyre after parts of the city were evacuated following orders from the Israeli military. No casualties were reported as a result of the airstrikes.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with international mediators exploring various proposals. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has suggested a two-day cease-fire in exchange for the release of four hostages.
Israeli officials have expressed openness to the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly enthusiastic about the idea. Hamas has yet to formally respond to the plan.
Published on October 29, 2024, at 02:15 am IST
