Jerusalem – In a move that has alarmed international allies, Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within the country. The decision comes amid escalating tensions in Gaza, where Palestinian officials report that Israeli military actions have trapped around 100,000 civilians.
Israeli officials justified the ban by citing the involvement of some UNRWA staff members in the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and alleged affiliations with Hamas and other armed groups. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.”
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the legislation, asserting that it opposes the UN Charter and violates international law. “This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to Palestine Refugees,” he wrote on social media platform X.
On the same day, Israeli tanks advanced deeper into northern Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that approximately 100,000 residents in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun are trapped without access to medical care or food supplies. The emergency service stated that its operations had halted due to the intensified Israeli assault.
The Israeli military announced that soldiers captured around 100 suspected militants during a raid on a hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp. Hamas and medical personnel have denied any militant presence within the hospital.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 19 people were killed on Monday as a result of Israeli airstrikes and shelling. The escalating conflict has raised concerns among global readers, business professionals, academics, and the Asian diaspora about the humanitarian situation and regional stability.
Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Escalating Tensions
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have resumed, with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar leading negotiations after previous attempts faltered. Egypt’s president proposed a two-day truce to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions on a permanent ceasefire within ten days.
Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that mediators would continue their efforts to advance a deal in the coming days. However, Israel has maintained that military operations will persist until Hamas is eradicated, while Hamas insists that fighting will not cease until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
The conflict has ignited wider unrest in the Middle East, impacting global economic interests and raising concerns over oil supplies. Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon and engaged forces in southern Lebanon to counter Iran-backed Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes on three villages near Baalbek.
In a rare direct confrontation, Israeli warplanes targeted Iranian missile production sites over the weekend in retaliation for an October 1 missile attack on Israel attributed to Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared that Tehran would “use all available tools” to respond.
The escalating situation has drawn the attention of international academics, business professionals, and cultural enthusiasts, all concerned about the potential implications for regional security and global affairs.
Reference(s):
Israel bans UN aid agency, Palestinians say 100,000 residents trapped
cgtn.com
