Israel cuts ties with UN Palestinian Refugee Agency

Jerusalem

Israel on Thursday has announced that it will sever all ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), accusing the agency of employing Hamas operatives and facilitating "terror activity" in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein confirmed the decision, stating that Israel will stop all engagement with UNRWA starting Thursday, in line with Israeli law. Marmorstein emphasized that Israel remains committed to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza but will channel assistance through alternative organizations, including other UN bodies, international NGOs, and foreign governments.

This move follows a law passed by Israel in October 2024 that mandates the end of UNRWA's operations in Israeli-controlled areas, including East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in a move not recognized internationally. The law also prohibits Israeli officials from engaging with the agency.

UNRWA, which provides essential services such as healthcare, education, and emergency support to millions of Palestinians, has denied the allegations, asserting that it has received no formal evidence from Israel to back the claims. UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini referred to the accusations as part of a "fierce disinformation campaign" against the agency.

The restrictions imposed by Israel threaten to shut down UNRWA's operations in the West Bank and Gaza, where it supports around 2 million Palestinians, many of whom are displaced due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.