Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the immediate enforcement of the UNRWA law, passed by the Knesset with wide support.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the immediate implementation of the UNRWA law. The law, which was passed by Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has sparked significant debate and now mandates the termination of operations by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Israel's territory.
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The Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed the directive in a post on X, stating, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the UNRWA law, which was passed by the Knesset with broad support, be enforced immediately." The statement further added, "There are no restrictions on the implementation of the Prime Minister's directive."
Background on UNRWA’s role, operations
UNRWA, established shortly after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, is a key humanitarian agency tasked with providing relief and development services to Palestinian refugees. The agency’s services include healthcare, education, and vocational training, particularly in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and other areas affected by the conflict. It was created by a UN General Assembly resolution to support Palestinian refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 war.
Earlier in October 2024, Israel's Knesset passed two laws aimed at ending UNRWA's operations within Israeli-controlled territory. These laws prohibit Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency and require UNRWA to vacate all premises in occupied East Jerusalem by January 30, 2025.
The laws have attracted international attention, particularly after US President Donald Trump signed executive orders earlier this month cutting funding for UNRWA.
The move has been met with criticism from global figures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the ban would have "devastating consequences" for Palestinian refugees. Joyce Msuya, the acting head of the UN aid coordination office, labelled the decision "dangerous and outrageous," while Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, stated that the law would "increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment."
Agency
Published: 18 Feb 2025, 06:54 am IST
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