Israel’s UNRWA ban puts Gaza ceasefire at risk
This picture taken during a media tour organised by the Israeli army on February 8, 2024. (AFP Photo)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned that Israel’s decision to ban its operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on Jan. 19.
UNRWA’s response to Israel’s decision
UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma addressed the issue during a press conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
- She confirmed that Israel’s decision to halt UNRWA’s operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem has now come into effect.
- Despite this, UNRWA remains committed to delivering life-saving services in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
- Touma stressed that enforcing the ban would have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees.
Impact on UNRWA operations
- UNRWA has not yet received an official notification regarding how the ban will be implemented in the occupied Palestinian territories.
- Due to Israeli visa restrictions, UNRWA’s international staff in East Jerusalem have left, while local personnel in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are facing increasing hostility.
- In Gaza, UNRWA still has over 5,000 staff members on the ground, actively distributing aid and supplies.
Concerns over ceasefire stability
When asked about the impact of Israel’s decision on humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, Touma emphasized the following:
- Since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on January 19, UNRWA has delivered 60% of the aid entering Gaza.
- The agency is not only responsible for bringing aid trucks into Gaza but also for ensuring effective distribution to those in need.
- With hundreds of thousands of displaced people returning to northern Gaza, disruptions to UNRWA’s operations could put the fragile ceasefire at serious risk.
Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations
Israel’s decision to terminate UNRWA’s activities in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem came into effect yesterday following the expiration of a previously granted grace period.
- As a result, UNRWA’s UN staff left East Jerusalem, while local employees did not report to work.
- In October 2024, Israel’s parliament (Knesset) passed a law banning UNRWA’s operations in both Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.
- The shutdown of UNRWA services is expected to severely impact the lives of approximately 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in the region.
