Israel Cuts Ties with UNRWA

According to Israel’s Channel 12, the Tel Aviv government has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to end cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Israel’s UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, confirmed the decision, stating that while Israel will still work with humanitarian groups, it will not collaborate with agencies it claims support “terrorism.”

In response, German World Food Programme Director Martin Frick emphasized that UNRWA is essential in Gaza, providing critical services like emergency shelters, schools, and health clinics. Frick described UNRWA as a lifeline for aid in Gaza, where it provides food, shelter, and healthcare to those enduring extreme hardship. He warned that blocking UNRWA's operations would extinguish the last hope for Gaza’s people.

Last week, the Israeli Knesset passed a law banning UNRWA’s operations in the occupied territories as part of its increased pressure on Gaza. This legislation is set to take effect within 90 days, limiting the agency’s presence in those areas.

In response, the UN Security Council cautioned Israel against any interference with UNRWA’s humanitarian mission. The Council highlighted UNRWA’s indispensable role in providing essential services, including education, healthcare, and emergency relief, to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, East al-Quds, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.