UNRWA Faces Operational Crisis in Gaza After Israeli Ban

The UN Palestinian relief agency struggles to continue services as Israel's ban creates uncertainty over future operations.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's chief, emphasized there is no alternative to the agency's services in Gaza, other than Israel taking over.
UNRWA provides essential aid and shelter to Gazans affected by the ongoing 13-month conflict, which has resulted in over 43,000 deaths.
Israel accuses UNRWA of involvement in Hamas-led attacks, prompting a ban on the agency and leading to donor funding suspensions.
Lazzarini urges international action to prevent the Israeli parliament's bill from taking effect, which could halt UNRWA operations by late January.
The U.S. Congress has barred funding to UNRWA until March 2025, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump's presidency, who is viewed as pro-Israel.