Banning UNRWA in Israel is an unprecedented decision that jeopardizes aid to Palestinians in the midst of war
Israeli parliamentarians approved, on Monday, October 28, two bills whose objective is to technically end the activities of the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
The first law passed in the Knesset had the effect of prohibiting UNRWA activities since “sovereign territory” Israel, and thus East Jerusalem, conquered during the Six-Day War in 1967, before being annexed by a Knesset vote in 1980. The eastern part of Jerusalem is still considered occupied by the United Nations, as well as by the majority of international countries. community. This law, proposed by Boaz Bismuth, deputy of the Likud (party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), was approved by 92 votes in favor and 10 against.
The second text of the law (adopted by 87 votes to 9) seeks to suspend all contact between representatives of the State of Israel and UNRWA, as well as its employees. The text, which should come into force within 90 days, should have the effect of putting an end to the issuance of visas for foreign employees of UNRWA, but above all preventing the passage of goods and personnel necessary for the operation of the agency. Ultimately, 46,000 children with refugee status in the West Bank or East Jerusalem will be deprived of education (in addition to the 625,000 students of Gaza).
