**Israel Bans UN Palestinian Refugee Agency**
The Israeli parliament has voted to ban the United Nations’ Palestinian Refugee Agency (Unrwa) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. This move will prevent Unrwa staff from contacting Israeli officials, making it difficult for them to work in the country.
**Why is this a problem?**
Unrwa provides essential services and aid to nearly all of Gaza’s two million residents. The agency warned that the new law could cause aid supply chains to “fall apart” within weeks. Unrwa employs 13,000 people in Gaza and is a key part of humanitarian efforts.
**What led to this decision?**
Israel has been critical of Unrwa for many years, citing concerns about the agency’s textbooks and teaching methods. Last October’s Hamas attacks on Israel also sparked controversy, with Israel accusing some Unrwa employees of involvement. Nine people were terminated by the UN, but Unrwa denies any wider involvement with Hamas.
**What are the consequences?**
Unrwa’s director warned that the ban on interaction with Israeli officials would make it almost impossible for staff to work in the country. Aid agencies may struggle to distribute essential medicine and food without Unrwa’s help. The US State Department has urged Israel to do more to allow international aid into Gaza.
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