Israel has officially terminated its longstanding relationship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the organization responsible for aid and education services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it had notified the UN of its decision, following recent Israeli legislation that prohibits UNRWA’s operations within Israel and bars cooperation with the agency in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
The new law, passed by the Israeli parliament last month, reflects Israel's concerns over UNRWA’s role, which it claims perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians, hindering peace efforts. Additionally, Israeli officials have accused the agency of harboring anti-Israel bias and have alleged that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas, particularly in Gaza, with claims that some of its employees participated in the October 7 attack on Israel.
UNRWA warned that the decision could devastate humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Spokesperson Jonathan Fowler noted that a ban on UNRWA would risk collapsing essential humanitarian support for the densely populated region, where the agency plays a crucial role, reported Arab News.
The organization was established in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict to support displaced Palestinians, but Israel contends that it has become an obstacle to resolving the refugee issue.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated that Israel had previously shared evidence of Hamas influence within UNRWA but claimed that the UN failed to address the matter. The ban applies within Israel but does not directly affect UNRWA's operations in the West Bank and Gaza, territories outside Israel under Israeli occupation. However, aid groups and international partners fear the decision will significantly impede UNRWA's work in those areas.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry indicated plans to expand activity by other international organizations to offset UNRWA’s absence, signaling a shift toward alternative humanitarian frameworks.