The Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. Supported by 92 of the 120 Knesset members, the legislation prohibits UNRWA from establishing offices, providing services, or engaging in activities within Israeli territory, either directly or indirectly, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported.
“As it is proven that UNRWA and its employees participate and are involved in terrorist activity against Israel, it is proposed to establish that Israel will act to stop all activities of the agency in its territory,” the explanatory notes to the law read.
The move has drawn criticism from the United States and several European nations, reflecting concerns about the agency’s role in supporting Palestinian refugees. The legislation cites alleged links between UNRWA employees and terrorist activities targeting Israel as justification for the ban. The law represents a significant step in Israel’s ongoing dispute with the agency, which was established to support Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.
In a post on X, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, said the vote by the Israeli parliament against UNRWA “is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent.”
“It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law … These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell,” he wrote.
UNRWA — short for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East — provides education, health care and aid to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Responding to the “unprecedented” vote, UNRWA warned that the legislation “sets a dangerous precedent,” breaches the UN charter “and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law.”
“These bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell… and are nothing less than collective punishment.” the agency said in a statement.
from World – Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/PjQCDpF
