Israel’s lawmakers recently passed legislation that could threaten the work of the main U.N. agency providing aid to people in Gaza. The bill bans the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from conducting any activity or providing any service inside Israel. This move has been condemned by UNRWA, saying it should be a concern to all.
The vote, which passed 92-10, could potentially collapse the already fragile aid distribution process at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening. It comes amidst increased US pressure for Israel to increase aid to the region. A second bill that would sever diplomatic ties with UNRWA was also being voted on.
The legislation has sparked a fiery debate between supporters and opponents of the law, particularly members of Arab parliamentary parties. If these bills pass, it would signify a new low in relations between Israel and UNRWA, with Israel accusing the agency of maintaining close ties with Hamas militants. This move would also have a serious impact on Palestinians in Gaza who rely on UNRWA for aid during the ongoing conflict.
The bills risk crippling the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes and face widespread shortages of food, water, and medicine. This development could worsen the already dire situation in Gaza and place additional strain on vulnerable populations in need of assistance.
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