Israel passed legislation that prohibits the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) from operating in its borders.
The bill passed 92-10.
Another bill stated that any contact between Israel and UNRWA would cease.
“The vote by the Israeli Parliament against @UNRWA is unprecedented. It opposes the @UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law,” UNRWA said. “Failing to push back against these bills will weaken our common multilateral mechanism. This should be a concern to all.”
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the legislation, saying, “If UNRWA goes away, you will see civilians — including children, including babies — not be able to get access to food and water and medicine that they need to live. We find that unacceptable.”
“In the 90 days before this legislation takes effect – and after – we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.
Several UNRWA employees have been implicated in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Upon first hearing that UNRWA staff members were allegedly involved in the October 7 attack, the United States suspended funding to the agency.
