In a landmark decision, Israel’s parliament has passed bills banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The move includes designating the agency as a terrorist organization, an unprecedented step against a UN body.
This decision effectively severs all official Israeli government ties with UNRWA, impacting millions of Palestinian refugees reliant on the agency’s support across health, education, and relief services.
The Knesset cited concerns over alleged connections between UNRWA and extremist groups, claiming its presence fuels regional instability.
In response, Palestinian leaders condemned the decision, arguing that it jeopardizes vital humanitarian aid and further strains Israeli-Palestinian relations.
International reactions are expected to follow, with UN officials likely to challenge the decision and seek diplomatic solutions amid escalating tensions.