Israel Bans UN Agency, Threatening Humanitarian Aid to Palestinians
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World
January 30, 2025 05:30
israel, palestine - Israel's decision to ban UNRWA raises concerns over humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Find out more.
Israel Enacts Law Banning UNRWA Activities
Israel's parliament passed a law to end UNRWA operations in East Jerusalem and Israel, affecting Palestinian refugees' access to education and healthcare services.
UNRWA's Role and Impact
UNRWA, operating as a semi-governmental entity, runs 58 refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The agency provides education to hundreds of thousands of children and essential healthcare services.
As of 2023, UNRWA operated 711 schools with over half a million students, including 298,363 in Gaza. The agency also managed 141 primary health clinics and offered services like small business loans.
Reasons for the Ban
Israel's decision to cut ties with UNRWA stems from allegations that 14 agency employees took part in the October 7, 2023, attacks in Gaza. This move follows a smear campaign against UNRWA by the Israeli government.