Israel Passes Legislation Targeting UN Agency Aid

The Israeli Knesset has passed legislation that prohibits the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israel, which critics warn could collapse the aid distribution process in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The first bill passed with a vote of 92-10 and a second bill aimed at severing diplomatic ties with UNRWA was also under consideration. This legislation, which does not take immediate effect, occurs as nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The US and various international aid organizations have expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of these laws, arguing they could exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians. Israeli officials defend the measures by accusing UNRWA of having ties to Hamas and involvement in the recent conflict. The situation in Gaza has been dire, with reports of widespread malnutrition among children and calls for increased humanitarian assistance.