Israel Bans UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees

Israel's parliament has passed legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, citing alleged ties of some UNRWA staff to Hamas and other militant groups. This ban is expected to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians rely on UNRWA for essential services such as education and healthcare. The legislation has raised concerns among Israel's international allies, including the U.S., which warned that such a move could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Proponents of the law argue that UNRWA is complicit with Hamas, while the agency has denied these allegations and emphasized its critical role in aiding Palestinians. The ban signals a significant deterioration in Israel's relationship with the UN and may disrupt ongoing humanitarian efforts as Israel faces pressure to increase aid to Gaza. Critics within the Knesset, particularly from Arab parties, fiercely opposed the bill, highlighting the potential impact on millions of vulnerable individuals who depend on UNRWA's support.