Israel's parliament votes to approve two bills that ban the activities of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on the territory of Israel, reports the European edition of Politico, quoted by Focus.
UNRWA will continue its activities in the Palestinian territories, but the ban on access to Israel will significantly limit its work in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to local media sources.
"These bills increase Palestinian suffering and constitute collective punishment," commented Filipe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA.
The United States also expressed concern about the new legislation, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended by citing the involvement of UNRWA officials in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas that left over 1,200 dead.
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"UNRWA staff who are involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," Netanyahu said on the social network X.
Previously, several European countries temporarily suspended funding to UNRWA after Israel first announced that some of the agency's staff were involved in the Hamas attacks. Subsequently, after funding resumed, a UN investigation found that nine staff "may have been involved in the Hamas-led attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023" They have all been fired by UNRWA.
Netanyahu's X statement also stressed that "the delivery of humanitarian aid is key, so sustained support for those in need in Gaza must remain available now and in the future."
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