In a significant move, the Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. This bill, accusing UNRWA of collaborating with militant groups like Hamas, underscores escalating ten
In a significant and controversial move, the Israeli parliament has taken the initial step to classify the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. This preliminary approval of the bill is part of a broader strategy by Israeli leaders to confront and delegitimize UNRWA, which has been a crucial provider of services to millions of Palestinian refugees for decades.
The agency operates extensively in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, offering vital education, health, and aid services. However, Israeli authorities have long accused UNRWA of harboring and collaborating with militant groups such as Hamas, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts. This bill’s approval marks an escalation in the Israeli government’s efforts to sever ties with UNRWA and reflects the increasing strain in relations between Israel and the agency.
Preliminary Approval of the Bill:
• On Monday, the Israeli parliament gave preliminary approval to a bill that designates UNRWA as a terrorist organization.
• The bill, having passed the first reading, will be sent back to the foreign affairs and defence committee for further consideration.
Background and Accusations:
• UNRWA provides essential services such as education, health, and aid to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
• Israeli leaders accuse UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas, the Islamist movement governing Gaza. These accusations have strained relations, especially since the onset of the recent war in Gaza.
• Yulia Malinovsky, the bill’s sponsor, referred to UNRWA as a “fifth column within Israel.”
International Reactions and Implications:
• UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma described the bill as part of a broader campaign to dismantle the agency, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such steps in the history of the United Nations.
• Despite Israeli allegations, evidence has yet to be provided to a U.N.-appointed review. Several donor countries initially halted funding but many, including Britain, have resumed support.
Responses from Palestinian Authorities:
• Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli parliament’s vote.
• Hussein Al-Sheikh, a senior ally of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urged the international community to resist efforts to dissolve UNRWA.
