Israel Moves to Sever Ties with UN Relief Agency Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

 

Israel has officially notified the United Nations of its decision to terminate its relationship with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This action, taken by the Knesset, is raising alarms among international allies and aid organizations, who fear it will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

Last week, the Knesset passed two bills that prohibit UNRWA's operations within Israeli territory and restrict state contact with the agency. The government justifies this move by alleging that Hamas has infiltrated UNRWA, prompting widespread criticism and concern about the implications for Palestinian aid.

The ban will come into effect in three months. In a preliminary step, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, formally withdrawing Israel from a cooperation agreement established in 1967. Danon emphasized on X that despite providing substantial evidence of Hamas’s infiltration, the UN has failed to address the issue adequately.

An internal UN investigation revealed that nine UNRWA employees might have participated in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, igniting the ongoing conflict.

UNRWA, employing around 13,000 staff in Gaza, serves as the largest aid organization in the region. The UN has refuted allegations that the agency has been severely compromised by infiltration, but experts and Israel's closest allies argue that there is no viable alternative to UNRWA for providing crucial support to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond. The impending ban threatens to cripple vital services relied upon by a population in crisis.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, criticized Israel's reduction of aid entering Gaza to a mere trickle, with only about 30 trucks crossing daily—representing just 6% of pre-war aid levels. He warned that the combination of restricted humanitarian access and the dismantling of UNRWA would compound the suffering of an already vulnerable population, stating that "only political will can end this politically created situation."

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has expressed concern over Israel's failure to improve conditions in Gaza, approaching a deadline set by the Biden administration for specific measures to address the humanitarian crisis. Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, noted that although there have been minor improvements, the essential recommendations outlined in the October 13 letter have not been implemented.

Since the escalation of military operations following the Hamas attack, over 43,000 people, mostly civilians, have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The recent military focus has been in northern regions, including Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, which have faced heavy bombardment and sieges, affecting medical facilities.

The Kamal Adwan Hospital has come under direct attack, as described by its director, Hossam Abu Safieh, who condemned the strikes and reported injuries among staff. Medical workers are also working to complete a second round of polio vaccinations for children under ten. The World Health Organization announced that 94,431 children had been vaccinated over the weekend, achieving 79% of the target for northern Gaza. However, 90% coverage is necessary to halt the virus's spread, and around 15,000 children remain trapped in besieged areas inaccessible due to military operations.