UN Rejects Responsibility for UNRWA Replacement

The United Nations has stated it is not responsible for replacing the operations of the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA following Israel's decision to terminate its cooperation agreement, signaling that the responsibility lies with Israel as the occupying power. Israel's new law will ban UNRWA's operations within its borders and has raised concerns about the agency's potential collapse in Gaza and the West Bank, where it plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid. UN officials have reiterated that international humanitarian law requires Israel to facilitate relief efforts for the affected populations. As UNRWA's future remains uncertain, alternative aid organizations are being considered, but many face significant challenges in operating effectively within the conflict zone. Critics, including Israeli officials, have long accused UNRWA of perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians, advocating for its dismantlement instead. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza exacerbated by conflict continues to complicate the situation, with reports of aid mismanagement and inadequate distribution to those in need.