Israel’s decision: UNRWA is declared a terrorist organization

The Israeli Parliament (Knesset) gave preliminary support to a controversial bill on July 22, 2024, declaring UNRWA a terrorist group. Israel has been waging a campaign against the UN agency after it was accused of working with Hamas, and this move is an important step in that campaign.

Invoice details

After the first reading, the proposed legislation will be discussed again by the Foreign Affairs and Defense committees. The bill’s sponsor, Yulia Malinovsky, called UNRWA “the fifth pillar within Israel,” indicating that there have been long-standing problems between the organization and Israeli authorities.

The role of UNRWA

UNRWA is responsible for providing basic services such as education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and several neighboring countries. The agency has had tense relations with Israel in the past and things have gotten worse since the start of the war in Gaza.

Allegations against UNRWA

Israeli officials say many UNRWA workers are affiliated with terrorist groups, primarily Hamas and Islamic Jihad. But the Israeli government has not yet issued a separate UN document. Studies have shown no evidence for these claims.

International response

Due to Israel’s claims, some donor countries stopped giving money to UNRWA. However, many of them are starting to give again. Britain recently said it would start making payments again. The Israeli bill was criticized by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian officials called on people around the world to oppose any attempt to dismantle the UN organization.

About the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

Establishment and scope of operations: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established in 1949 specifically to support Palestinian refugees. It operates in five regions: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and serves more than 5 million registered refugees. UNRWA’s mandate includes providing essential services such as education, healthcare and social services, with an emphasis on human rights and sustainable development.

Funding and contributions: UNRWA relies primarily on voluntary contributions from UN Member States for its operations. This financial model requires the continued support of the international community to maintain its programs and services for Palestinian refugees. The agency’s reliance on voluntary donations often leads to financial instability, affecting its ability to consistently provide services.

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