The Knesset on Monday approved two bills that ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israel and restrict its activities in Gaza and the West Bank. The laws, passed by overwhelming majorities, aim to cut all official contact with the agency, citing evidence showing staff has ties to terror groups.
The first bill, passed 92-10, prohibits UNRWA’s operations in Israeli territory. The second, approved 87-9, bans coordination between Israeli authorities and the agency, complicating UNRWA’s ability to provide aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Without Israeli permits and cooperation, UNRWA’s operations will be severely hampered, as Israel controls access to Gaza and regulates movement through the region.
UNRWA has responded by calling the legislation a “dangerous precedent” that violates Israel’s obligations under international law. The agency warned that restricting its operations would deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions rely on its education, healthcare, and aid services.
Global Opposition to the Legislation
The laws have drawn strong criticism from international leaders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the bills as catastrophic, while U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, warned that the restrictions could devastate Gaza’s humanitarian relief efforts. European leaders, including European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell, also condemned the move.
Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed “profound regret” over the vote, noting that allegations of terrorism involving UNRWA employees had been investigated and found insufficient to justify cutting ties.
Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement reaffirming Israel’s commitment to preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We are ready to work with our international partners, both in the 90 days before the legislation takes effect and afterward, to ensure that aid reaches Gazan civilians without compromising Israel’s security,” the statement read.
UNRWA’s Controversial Ties and the Knesset’s Response
The Knesset’s decision follows reports that UNRWA staff had connections to terrorist groups. Most notably, a Hamas commander killed in an Israeli strike was revealed to have been employed by the agency. Israel claims over 10% of UNRWA’s Gaza-based staff have ties to terrorist factions, and IDF intelligence has identified Hamas command centers beneath UNRWA schools.
Lawmakers from across Israel’s political spectrum celebrated the legislation as a significant step for national security. Likud MK Yuli Edelstein called the move “historic,” asserting that Israel will no longer allow terrorists to operate under UN auspices. “UNRWA terrorists, your story ends here,” declared MK Boaz Bismuth, who sponsored the bill banning UNRWA’s activities in Israel.
Opposition figures also supported the legislation, with the National Unity party criticizing UNRWA as a part of Hamas’s infrastructure.
Clashes in the Knesset Plenum
The debate preceding the votes sparked heated exchanges. Arab MKs condemned the legislation, with Hadash-Ta’al MK Aida Touma-Sliman accusing Israel of genocide. Likud MK Tally Gotliv had to be physically restrained after confronting MK Ahmad Tibi, who called the legislation fascist.
Despite opposition from some quarters, the Israeli government remains committed to limiting UNRWA’s role, shifting responsibility for humanitarian aid in Gaza to other organizations like the World Food Program and UNICEF.
Israel has long criticized UNRWA for perpetuating the refugee crisis by granting refugee status to descendants of the original Palestinian refugees, arguing that the agency fosters a culture of dependence. Still, some officials worry that phasing out UNRWA without a viable alternative could exacerbate poverty and violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
The new laws will take effect in 90 days, with Israel pledging to ensure that aid continues to reach civilians in Gaza while addressing security concerns.
