Israel Moves to Ban U.N. Relief Agency in New Legislative Session
Israel’s Knesset, the national parliament, began its winter session with several significant legislative actions amidst ongoing conflict with Gaza and Lebanon. The session started with the passing of controversial laws banning the activities of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) within Israel, a decision expected to have substantial impacts on Palestinians who rely on the agency’s services.
Background on UNRWA
UNRWA was established in 1949 by the United Nations to support Palestinian refugees displaced during the formation of Israel. Over the years, it has expanded to provide food, healthcare, and education for millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and surrounding regions. In Gaza alone, nearly two million people depend on UNRWA services.
The New Laws
The Knesset passed two laws concerning UNRWA. One law bars UNRWA’s operations within Israel, while the other prohibits Israeli authorities from contacting the agency, which impacts services provided to Palestinian refugees in territories under Israeli control. This legislation passed despite international warnings, including from the U.S., that cutting UNRWA’s services could worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Impact on Gaza and Israel’s Reasoning
Many nations, including the United States, have expressed concern that these laws may disrupt essential services and exacerbate hardships for Palestinians who depend on UNRWA. Israeli leaders, however, argue that UNRWA’s presence promotes prolonged conflict and have accused some of its employees of affiliations with groups hostile to Israel. UNRWA has denied these claims, emphasizing that it serves a humanitarian role.
Implications for the United States
The Knesset's decision to ban UNRWA operations could have significant consequences for the United States, which has historically been a primary supporter and funder of the agency. The U.S. State Department previously urged Israel to reconsider the ban, expressing concerns that cutting off UNRWA could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and affect regional stability. As a major ally of Israel, the U.S. faces the challenge of balancing its support for Israeli policies with its commitment to humanitarian efforts and regional security. Furthermore, American officials worry that the ban could increase anti-U.S. sentiment in the Middle East, where many view America as indirectly responsible for policies impacting Palestinians. If UNRWA’s services are cut off, there may also be pressure on the U.S. to fill the resulting humanitarian gaps, which could involve additional financial or diplomatic resources to prevent further instability in the region.
Other Key Legislation
Alongside the UNRWA legislation, the Knesset is also discussing a military conscription law and an anti-terrorism bill.
Military Conscription: Israel’s Supreme Court recently ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish men must be subject to military drafts. This change has led to political divides, as some ultra-Orthodox communities argue their religious study contributes to the country in a way that is equivalent to military service.
Anti-Terrorism Law: The Knesset is also advancing legislation that could broaden police powers to investigate potential terrorism-related activities. This measure allows authorities to monitor individuals suspected of supporting groups hostile to Israel, even if that support is shown through speech or social media.
International Reactions
Several countries have urged Israel to reconsider the ban on UNRWA, warning that it may worsen regional stability. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has described UNRWA as “irreplaceable” and has cautioned that this legislation could lead to further suffering in Gaza and neighboring areas.
The opening of Israel’s winter parliamentary session has set the stage for significant legal and social changes within the country. With these new laws, the Knesset aims to reshape Israel’s relationship with UNRWA and address longstanding issues in military conscription and anti-terrorism policies. However, these legislative moves come at a time of heightened conflict and face considerable international scrutiny, as many countries worry about the broader impacts on regional stability and humanitarian aid.
