Israel's demand for UNRWA to halt operations follows a parliamentary ban amid heightened scrutiny on the agency's activities.
Israel Orders UNRWA to Cease Operations in East Jerusalem
Israel Orders UNRWA to Cease Operations in East Jerusalem
Israel issues ultimatum to the UN relief agency aiding Palestinians amid ongoing tensions.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, announced on Friday that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) must cease all operations in East Jerusalem within six days. This ultimatum is part of a directive that follows a controversial legislation passed by the Israeli Parliament in October 2024, which banned the agency from functioning in Israeli territories. The ultimatum stipulates that UNRWA must evacuate its offices in Jerusalem by January 30, 2025.
UNRWA provides vital support to approximately two million Palestinians, offering services such as food, healthcare, education, and vocational training, particularly crucial during the current post-war crisis in Gaza. The tensions between Israel and UNRWA have escalated significantly since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of infiltration by Hamas members, although independent U.N. investigations concluded that only a minimal number of staff had any such affiliations, with those individuals subsequently dismissed.
In addition to strengthening its legislative position against UNRWA, Israel's latest announcement comes amid concerns over the safety and well-being of U.N. staff in the region. Tragically, 269 UNRWA employees have already lost their lives during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking an unprecedented casualty count among U.N. personnel in any conflict, as reported by officials. The agency plays a critical role for Palestinians residing not only in the West Bank and Gaza but also in neighboring countries like Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, where many have taken refuge for decades following the founding of Israel.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Israel's ultimatum on the humanitarian landscape for Palestinians in East Jerusalem remain uncertain.
UNRWA provides vital support to approximately two million Palestinians, offering services such as food, healthcare, education, and vocational training, particularly crucial during the current post-war crisis in Gaza. The tensions between Israel and UNRWA have escalated significantly since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of infiltration by Hamas members, although independent U.N. investigations concluded that only a minimal number of staff had any such affiliations, with those individuals subsequently dismissed.
In addition to strengthening its legislative position against UNRWA, Israel's latest announcement comes amid concerns over the safety and well-being of U.N. staff in the region. Tragically, 269 UNRWA employees have already lost their lives during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking an unprecedented casualty count among U.N. personnel in any conflict, as reported by officials. The agency plays a critical role for Palestinians residing not only in the West Bank and Gaza but also in neighboring countries like Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, where many have taken refuge for decades following the founding of Israel.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Israel's ultimatum on the humanitarian landscape for Palestinians in East Jerusalem remain uncertain.
