Israel bans UNRWA, the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees
Israel's parliament voted Monday to ban the operations of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main humanitarian aid agency operating in Gaza.
Israel's parliament voted Monday to ban the operations of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main humanitarian aid agency operating in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated accusations that UNRWA employees are involved in terrorist activities in the region in a statement about the legislation. An investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services closed in August, debunking some allegations and noting that others lacked sufficient evidence.
However, the agency said nine employees may have been involved in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel if evidence was "authenticated and corroborated." UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said their contracts would be terminated.
Netanyahu's office said Monday that UNRWA personnel "must be held accountable."
"In the 90 days before this legislation goes into effect — and after — we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure that Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza in a manner that does not threaten Israel’s security," the statement said.
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