Israeli Ban on UNRWA Sparks Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza
Israel's decision to halt UNRWA operations threatens essential services for millions of Palestinians, drawing international criticism.
- Israel plans to shut down the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, within three months, raising fears of increased suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.
- UNRWA provides critical services, including education and healthcare, to Palestinian refugees, with over 6 million medical consultations conducted in Gaza since October 2023.
- The Israeli parliament's decision to label UNRWA a 'terror' group has been met with backlash from UN officials, who describe the agency as 'indispensable' and 'irreplaceable.'
- Critics argue that Israel's actions violate international law, as the country is obligated to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid as an occupying power.
- The potential collapse of UNRWA could lead to severe humanitarian crises, with over 13,000 jobs at risk and essential services disrupted.