Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within the country, a move that has alarmed Western allies concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israeli officials cited the involvement of a few UNRWA staff members in the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, as well as connections of some staffers to Hamas and other armed groups, as reasons for the ban.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the decision, stating 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,” Lazzarini wrote on social media platform X.
The parliamentary vote coincided with Israeli military operations deepening in northern Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that around 100,000 people are stranded in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun without access to medical or food supplies. Reuters was unable to independently verify these numbers.
According to the Israeli military, soldiers captured approximately 100 suspected militants during a raid on a hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp. Both Hamas and hospital officials have denied any militant presence at the facility.
The Gaza Strip’s health ministry reported that at least 19 people were killed on Monday due to Israeli airstrikes and bombardments.
Ceasefire Talks Resume
Efforts to broker a ceasefire resumed on Sunday, with negotiations led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar after several unsuccessful attempts. Egypt’s president proposed a two-day truce to exchange four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions within ten days on a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that mediators would continue talks “in a continued attempt to advance a deal.” Israel has maintained that the military campaign will persist until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas has stated that fighting will not cease until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has sparked wider tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns about global oil supplies. Israeli forces have carried out bombings in Lebanon and have engaged with Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes on three villages near the eastern city of Baalbek on Monday.
The hostilities have also led to clashes between Israel and Iran. Over the weekend, Israeli warplanes targeted Iranian missile production sites in retaliation for an October 1 missile attack on Israel attributed to Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that Tehran would “use all available tools” to respond.
(With input from Reuters)
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Israel votes to ban UNRWA; Palestinians say 100,000 residents trapped
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