Israeli Knesset vote on UNRWA set to deepen Palestinian suffering

Monday’s vote by the Israeli Knesset banning the UN Relief and Works Agency UNRWA contradicts principles of the UN Charter, violates Israel’s obligations under international law, and sets a dangerous precedent, the head of the Agency, Philippe Lazzarini has warned. The UN chief pledged later he would take the issue to the General Assembly.

“This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to Palestine refugees,” Mr. Lazzarini said in a post on X, following reports of the long-anticipated vote being taken by Knesset members, passing by a margin on 92-10.

Mr. Lazzarini added that the two bills which will reportedly come into effect within 90 days “will only deepen the suffering” of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through “more than a year of sheer hell”.

“These bills increase the suffering of the Palestinians and are nothing less than collective punishment,” he said.

The UN Secretary-General issued a statement in New York late on Monday warning that if implemented the laws would "likely prevent UNRWA from continuing it's essential work."

António Guterres stressed UNRWA provided the principal way of delivering aid and it would have "devastating consequences" were Israel to outlaw the agency.

"I am bringing this matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly and weill keep the Assembly closely informed as the situation develops," Mr. Guterres said.

Virtually the entire population of the Gaza Strip depends on humanitarian assistance, with UNRWA as the “backbone” of UN’s relief efforts in the war-ravaged enclave.

In addition to helping deliver food and other lifesaving essentials, UNRWA is also crucial for overseeing the ongoing polio vaccination drive.