**Israel Bans Largest UN Agency in Gaza**
The people of Gaza are already struggling with a severe humanitarian crisis. Now, they fear things will get even worse because Israel has banned the largest UN agency operating there.
Unrwa is like a lifeline for many Palestinians. It provides food, education, and health care. Without it, many families won’t know where to turn. Yasmine El-Ashry from Khan Younis asked: “If my son is sick, where will I take him?”
Saeed Awida, a registered refugee, said that banning Unrwa would be like declaring war on the Palestinians. He claimed: “They want us to be exterminated and not receive humanitarian aid.”
Despite international opposition, Israel’s Parliament voted in favor of the new law. It prevents Israeli officials from contacting Unrwa, the UN’s relief agency for Palestinian refugees.
Unrwa has been accused by Hamas of being too close to them. Sharren Haskel, a politician, said: “A terrorist organization has taken over.” However, Unrwa insists it is neutral and not involved with Hamas.
The impact on Gaza will be huge if the new law is implemented in three months as planned. Sam Rose, Unrwa’s deputy director in Gaza, said: “It would make it impossible for us to operate in Gaza.”
**Criticism from Around the World**
Israel has been accused of violating international human rights law and the UN Charter. Diplomats and security officials had warned about the possible consequences of taking action against Unrwa.
The UN General Assembly established Unrwa in 1949, after the first Arab-Israeli War. It helps around six million Palestinians who are descendants of refugees from that war.
**A Long-Running Issue**
Unrwa has been a source of controversy for many years. Israel accuses it of promoting anti-Israel hatred through its textbooks. Hamas’s involvement with Unrwa employees has also led to concerns.
Sam Rose said: “We have taken immediate action against any allegations we have received.” However, the debate over Unrwa’s role in Gaza continues.
In Gaza, people fear that banning Unrwa will erase their status as refugees. Mohammed Salman from Deir al-Balah told the BBC: “The word ‘refugee’ will disappear. They don’t want to hear it.”
Read More @ www.bbc.com