On Tuesday, the Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the main aid group for Palestinians from operating in occupied Palestinian territory; World leaders, humanitarian groups and the agency itself warned that the move would mean certain death for those who starved to death during Israel’s genocide and lead to massive erosion. Palestinian rights in the long term.

two passed invoices With overwhelming support from Israeli lawmakers and only a handful of opponents. One bill bans the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from providing services in Israel and the Palestinian territories, while the other declares UNRWA a “terrorist” group and bans interaction between the agency and the Israeli government.

Advocates have warned that the ban would worsen the already serious humanitarian disaster and hunger in Gaza, while also depriving Palestinians in the occupied West Bank of crucial aid and services such as education.

UNRWA president Philippe Lazzarini said He said the bans were “unprecedented” and tantamount to collective punishment of Palestinians, which is a crime under international law.

“These bills will further deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, where people have been going through hell for more than a year. This will deprive more than 650,000 boys and girls there of education and put an entire generation of children at risk. The head of UNRWA said these bills increase the suffering of Palestinians and amount to nothing more than collective punishment.

Equally Some Israeli officials warnedLazzarini said the bans were a violation of Israel’s UN membership and contrary to the UN charter. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said that the bills were contrary to Israel’s obligations under the statute.

“UNRWA is the primary instrument used to provide essential assistance to Palestinian refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. “There is no alternative to UNRWA,” Guterres said in question. “I call on Israel to act in accordance with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including those relating to international humanitarian law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot modify these obligations.”

UNICEF spokesman James Elder said the effects of the pandemic on children would be particularly severe, meaning the children’s rights organization would not be able to distribute supplies such as vaccines, winter clothing and hygiene kits.

“So a decision like this means that suddenly there’s a new way to kill children.” old said.

some world Leaders condemn the law. Inside joint statement Before the vote, foreign ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom expressed “serious concerns” about the law, saying it would have “devastating consequences”, especially in Gaza.

There is also the USA reportedly withdrawn against the adoption of bills – but still one country I’m still holding on His donations to this important institution following Israel’s debunked accusations against him earlier this year.

UNRWA and humanitarian groups working on the ground in Gaza said the ban would seriously harm relief efforts, which are already under fierce attack from Israeli forces.

“Israel has bombed Palestinians to death, maimed them, starved them, and is now stripping them of their biggest lifeline.” in question In a statement from Oxfam. “Israel is systematically dismantling Gaza, an autonomous and livable land for Palestinians, piece by piece. “The banning of UNRWA today is condemnable and is another step towards crime.”

As some advocates for Palestinian rights have pointed out, Israel’s latest attack on UNRWA is part of Israel’s long-term strategy. target the UN We have used the concept of international law to greatly erode the rights of Palestinian refugees, especially their right to return.

“The campaign to end UNRWA predates 10/7/23 by decades and has NOTHING to do with terrorism,” said Lara Friedman, President of the Middle East Peace Foundation. in question. “This is and always has been about the erasure of Palestinians and Palestinian rights.”

Friedman pointed to an article he wrote in 2018 in which he wrote that efforts to purge UNRWA were part of a “unilateral action” by Israel, the United States and other actors “to redefine Palestinian refugees.”

As a matter of fact, Lazzarini also drew attention to the importance of UNRWA for Palestinian rights. In an interview last month, Lazzarini said Israel’s attacks were driven by a disturbing political calculation.

“Ultimately, there is a desire to strip the Palestinian of refugee status and, beyond that, to undermine the Palestinians’ desire for future self-determination,” he said. “That’s why UNRWA has become such a target.”