The Israeli parliament passed a preliminary reading of a bill aimed at severing links with the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and proclaiming it a terrorist organization. This decision comes despite the continued support of many Western nations for the agency and Israel’s failure to confirm its allegations that UNRWA employees partook in the “Toufan Al-Aqsa” operation on October 7.
Renewed International Support
In response to the Israeli measures, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported the resumption of funding for UNRWA by Italy after a four-month hiatus. This new support, amounting to 35 million euros, was confirmed during a meeting in Rome with Mohammed Mustafa, Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Humanitarian Consequences of the War on Gaza
The Israeli offensive on Gaza has had catastrophic repercussions, with more than 116,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, mostly women and children, and around 10,000 people missing. The isolation imposed by Israel, including the blockade of crossings and the disruption of UNRWA activities, continues to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the northern and southern regions of Gaza.
Role and Challenges for UNRWA
Created on December 8, 1949, UNRWA is a UN agency devoted to aid and employment for refugees. With main offices in Vienna and Amman and representations in New York, Washington, Cairo, and Jerusalem, it assists several million people. This measure taken by Israel raises concerns regarding the impact on essential services provided by the agency to an already distressed population.
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