What does UNRWA do and why has Israel banned it from West Bank, Gaza?
An UNRWA school in the Am’ari refugee camp in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank
Dwayne Oxford reports in Al Jazeera on 29 Oct 2024:
The Israeli Knesset has passed a bill banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and another that will likely scale back aid distribution across war-ravaged Gaza.
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) supports Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, as well as surrounding countries.
The Knesset passed the laws on Monday despite strong international condemnation. So what are in the bills and what activities is UNRWA responsible for in the Palestinian territory?
What will the bills do?
One bill makes it illegal for Israeli officials to have any contact with UNRWA. The second prohibits UNRWA from conducting activities within Israel’s borders – a rule that will come into effect in three months. This will make it impossible for the agency to obtain any entrance permits to operate in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip – both of which are under Israeli control. It will also make it impossible for the agency to transport assistance through Israeli territory to Palestinians in need.
Why is Israel passing these bills?
This is not the first time UNRWA has come under pressure from Israeli authorities.