The Israeli government has enacted a ban on the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, restricting its operations on Israeli territory, including occupied East Jerusalem. This measure, passed in October, arose from repeated allegations by Israel that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attack, claims made without proof. UNRWA, which has provided aid to Palestinian refugees for over 70 years, warns that this ban could jeopardize humanitarian efforts and disrupt the ongoing ceasefire. Israel claims alternative organizations can provide the required aid, while UNRWA emphasizes its critical role in delivering assistance to those in need.
"If the ban takes place and we are not able to operate in Gaza, the ceasefire, which also includes bringing in humanitarian supplies for the agency and people in need, might collapse."
"Humanitarian aid doesn’t equal UNRWA, alternative organisations exist that can facilitate aid into the Gaza Strip," said Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein.
"For more than 70 years, UNRWA has provided support for Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, but the organisation has often clashed with Israeli officials over its work."
"The legislation prohibits UNRWA activity only on the sovereign territory of the State of Israel but does not prohibit such activity in the areas of Judea-Samaria and the Gaza Strip."
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