Israel Faces International Pressure to Reverse Ban on Palestinian Aid Agency

As Israel moves toward enforcing a ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), global diplomats, including those from the United Nations Security Council, have raised concerns about the consequences for Palestinians.

With only two days left before the ban takes full effect, international bodies are warning that the move could severely disrupt humanitarian aid, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, where the agency plays a critical role.

The planned restrictions on UNRWA come amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and at a time when the agency is providing vital assistance to more than 2 million Palestinian refugees. UNRWA offers essential services including healthcare, education, food aid, and shelter, particularly in Gaza, where it has been the “backbone of humanitarian operations,” according to agency representatives.

In a meeting of the Security Council on January 30, senior UN officials and all members except the United States expressed strong opposition to Israel’s actions. They argued that the restrictions contravene international law and would undermine peace efforts by exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, warned that the ban would deepen instability and heighten the suffering of Palestinian refugees.

The ban, which was passed by the Israeli parliament in October 2023, would make it illegal for UNRWA to operate within Israel’s borders, and prevent Israeli officials from having any contact with the agency. Israeli authorities have cited national security concerns and accusations of Hamas infiltration within the agency as the primary reasons for the legislation.

However, multiple investigations have found no substantial evidence to support these claims. The UN has dismissed broad allegations of Hamas affiliations among UNRWA staff, noting that only a small number of employees were involved in misconduct, and those individuals were fired. Several key international donors, including the European Union, have resumed funding to the agency, following the completion of these investigations.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, defended the legislation, framing it as a security measure rather than a political move. He confirmed that the law would take full effect on February 1, 2025, requiring UNRWA to vacate its premises in East Jerusalem, which are considered UN property and protected under international law.

The United States has been the sole nation siding with Israel on this issue, with its representative, Dorothy Shea, dismissing the concerns of other Security Council members. Shea reiterated the US support for Israel’s sovereign right to close UNRWA’s offices, despite the widespread international condemnation.

The closure of UNRWA operations is particularly concerning for Palestinian communities in Gaza, where the agency delivers food aid to over 1 million people, provides healthcare to more than 1.2 million, and plays a key role in other essential services. The loss of this support could spell disaster for millions of Palestinians already affected by the ongoing conflict.

As the situation develops, the UN, alongside international actors, is urging Israel to reconsider its decision and allow UNRWA to continue its operations, which are vital to the survival and well-being of Palestinian refugees in the region.

The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and the New York Times contributed to this report.