The United Nations Security Council addressed Israel's recent laws prohibiting operations of the U.N. aid agency for Palestinian refugees, just days before these restrictions were set to take effect. The U.S. stood alone in supporting Israel during this meeting, while other members emphasized the detrimental impact on aid delivery to millions of Palestinians. UNRWA's chief criticized the legislation for undermining international law, although the U.S. dismissed concerns as exaggerated. This situation arises in the context of a fragile cease-fire, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding humanitarian aid in occupied territories.
The Israeli laws target a 75-year-old agency that has been a backbone of humanitarian aid delivery to two million Palestinians in Gaza, just as a fragile cease-fire is taking hold there.
Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the aid agency, stated, 'The legislation makes a mockery of international law and imposes massive constraints... We are determined, however, to stay and deliver until it is no longer possible to do so.'
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