On Monday, the Israeli Knesset passed a bill banning Palestinian refugee institutions. Imposing a ban on the U.N.-affiliated agency simply means it could lead to a reduction in international aid reaching the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. The proposal for a ban has been discussed for some time and Tel Aviv has been criticized for it. Even after this, why did Israel make this decision? What are Israel’s accusations against the agency?
what organization is this
The full name of UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It has been carrying out relief and reconstruction efforts on behalf of the United Nations throughout the Middle East, including Palestine, with its main goals being to provide basic facilities to Palestinian refugees and ensure education for children.
where does she work
It works primarily in places where Palestinian refugees have settled, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israeli-occupied Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. However, its work began in 1948, when more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced during Israel’s War of Independence.
what job does she do
In addition to basic assistance, the organization also provides medical assistance. Currently, the country has about 150 medical centers that treat about 850,000 patients every year. In addition, more than 3,000 doctors and health workers work here, all of whom are residents of the area. What is special about this agency is that most of its staff are from Palestine. They understand the needs of the people. According to the “Guardian” report, about 6 million refugees are receiving assistance through this. These are refugees registered with the United Nations.
During Gaza’s year-long conflict, nearly the entire population there relied on it for basic needs such as food, water and hygiene products. During the war, more than two hundred United Nations staff died while delivering aid.
Why did Israel vote against the agency?
On Monday, 92 members of Tel Aviv’s parliament voted in favor of banning the agency’s activities. Only 10 MPs objected. Another bill was also introduced which also ended diplomatic relations with UNRWA. Israel believes this body is no longer necessary. Descendants displaced in 1948 continue to receive its help, making the road to peace even more difficult.
Hamas people work in this organization!
This is also a big accusation. During the war, Israel claimed that Hamas personnel were employed by UN agencies in addition to ordinary citizens so that they could sow trouble. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long asked the United States to reduce funding for the agency. Let us tell you here, the United States is its largest funder. It also shared a report with the United States that several agency employees were accused of involvement in the attack on October 7 last year.
Amid the ongoing accusations, the United Nations fired some staff. But it refuses to believe it knowingly aided any armed group.
What changes will a ban bring?
Under the new law, UNRWA will not be able to operate any organization or carry out any activities in the name of helping Palestinians in the Middle East for several months (currently three months). Opponents now argue that refugees are already struggling in many places, including Gaza. In such cases, their usual support will also be taken away due to institutional bans. Let us tell you that most of UNRWA’s work is done in the West Bank and Gaza. To do this, it relies on Israel so that help can be delivered inside via the Gaza border.
What other relief organizations are active in Gaza?
– UNICEF is also here working on the care, education and health of children and mothers.
– WHO’s job is to provide health-related services. Additionally, it provides emergency medical services.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is responsible for providing humanitarian assistance.
– The World Food Program continues to provide food and beverage assistance to ensure the nutrition of pregnant women and children.