An Israeli law barring the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees from working in Israeli territory has begun, affecting many Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. This law also prohibits interaction between Israeli officials and UNRWA staff, making aid delivery increasingly difficult. UN officials have warned that this decision could destabilize the region's economy and humanitarian aid efforts. As the law takes effect following a Supreme Court ruling, the exact enforcement measures and the law's definition of "Israeli territory" remain uncertain, raising concerns about the future of UN humanitarian operations.
"Curtailing our operations now - outside a political process, and when trust in the international community is so low - will undermine the ceasefire," UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday.
Members of the council were near-unanimous in their support for the embattled agency, with the exception of Israel and the United States.
Danny Danon, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, informed the body that UNRWA must cease its operations and evacuate all premises it operates in Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, Israel's Supreme Court rejected a last-minute legal challenge, clearing the way for the laws to take effect on schedule.
Collection
[
|
...
]