Israel Bans UNRWA Operations, Threatens Aid for Millions

The Israeli Knesset has passed a law prohibiting the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the occupied territories, set to take effect imminently. This move has drawn condemnation from several countries at the UN Security Council, with concerns that it will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that the ban could destabilize the region and jeopardize the fragile ceasefire in place, undermining essential services that the agency provides to millions of Palestinians. He emphasized that UNRWA's presence is crucial for maintaining stability amid uncertainty and that its services, which include education and healthcare, cannot be easily replaced. The ban comes at a time when Gaza, devastated by recent conflicts, relies heavily on UNRWA's humanitarian assistance. Lazzarini called for urgent action from the international community to prevent further deterioration of conditions for Palestinian refugees.