This dramatic move, supported by the Knesset, would strip UNRWA staff of their immunity and ban its operations within Israel. The proposal stems from accusations that UNRWA has been aiding Hamas, although a recent UN review found no evidence to support these claims.
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Israel has accused the agency of supporting Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
Israeli officials alleged that 12 UNRWA personnel participated in the October 7 Hamas attacks, which resulted in over 1,100 Israeli deaths and around 250 Israelis taken hostage in Gaza. (Related: Israel says Doctors Without Borders staffers are terrorists who deserve to be killed.)
They also claimed that 190 UNRWA employees allowed attackers to use the agency's facilities as safe havens and provided Hamas with intelligence and logistical support.
On July 22, the Knesset voted 50 to 10 to advance a bill that would designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization, effectively barring its operations on Israeli soil and removing the rights and privileges typically accorded to UN employees.
The legislation is still pending further review and requires two additional votes to become law. The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is currently reviewing the proposals in detail.
MK Yulia Malinovsky of Yisrael Beitenu, who supports the bill, described UNRWA as a "fifth column" and criticized the UN for alleged inaction, stating, “All the excessive morality ended on October 7.”
Major donor countries suspend their funding of UNRWA
The accusations against UNRWA led several major donor countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, to suspend their funding. This funding halt has significantly impacted the agency's operations.
However, a UN-commissioned independent inquiry in April found no concrete evidence linking UNRWA to terrorist activities.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing essential services, including food assistance, medical care, education and social services, to over two million Palestinians.
The agency employs more than 30,000 staff members. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized that UNRWA's services are vital for the survival of millions of people.
The potential designation of UNRWA as a terrorist organization raises significant concerns about the future of humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and the broader implications for international diplomacy and conflict resolution in the region.
Early this year, UNRWA dismissed 12 employees following allegations that they participated in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The accusations were based on evidence provided by Israeli authorities.
UNRWA's commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, stated that the terminations were made to safeguard the agency’s humanitarian mission and an investigation has been launched.
In response, the U.S. has suspended funding to UNRWA, reversing its previous support.
This decision marks a sharp turn from the Biden administration’s earlier stance, which saw the resumption of funding cut off during the Trump administration.
Since then, the U.S. had provided over $730 million to the agency for refugee assistance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Chris Smith, have called for a permanent halt to funding, criticizing the administration for not addressing what they view as UNRWA's long-standing issues with anti-Israel bias and complicity with Hamas.
They argue that funding should be contingent on significant reforms to the agency.
The Biden administration had previously defended UNRWA's work in Gaza, highlighting its role in providing essential aid despite the risks involved. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had visited UNRWA offices in Jordan and praised their efforts, now faces pressure for a thorough response.
Criticism has intensified as GOP lawmakers accused the administration of failing to act on evidence of UNRWA’s problematic ties and anti-Israel bias earlier. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Rep. Darrell Issa have both condemned the Biden administration’s handling of the issue, demanding more decisive action and accountability.
Learn more about the ongoing invasion of Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people at WWIII.news.
Watch this Oct. 10 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, warns about Israel potentially committing genocide against the more than two million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.
This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.
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