'Israel' demands UNRWA cease operations in al-Quds by month-end
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The Israeli occupation announces that UNRWA must cease operations in occupied al-Quds after it banned the agency all over the occupied Palestinian territories.
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The Israeli Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Danny Danon speaks during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters, Friday, January 17, 2025 (AP)
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon announced on Friday that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) must halt its operations and vacate its premises in occupied al-Quds by January 30, 2025.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary General António Guterres, Danon stated, "UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem, and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city, no later than January 30, 2025."
The directive, according to the letter, is necessary due to "acute national security risks" associated with what Israel claims is the "infiltration" of UNRWA by Hamas.
This announcement follows legislative actions in late October when the Israeli parliament passed bills seeking to prohibit UNRWA activities within occupied Palestine and territories under Israli control. The bills cited allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
However, a UN report on the agency's activities refuted these claims, indicating that the Israeli occcupation was yet to provide any evidence linking UNRWA employees to "terrorist activities."
The move to ban UNRWA in occupied al-Quds has drawn criticism from international observers, who argue that the agency plays a critical role in providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA officials have not yet issued a formal response to the Israeli ultimatum.
UNRWA facing financial strains
UNRWA is facing an escalating financial crisis due to diminished international support, a consequence of "Israel’s" allegations against the agency and its pressure on donor countries, Press TV reported on Thursday.
UNRWA has long served as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing essential services across the region. However, recent challenges, including financial strains linked to "Israel's" accusations of terrorism against the agency, have significantly impacted its operations.
"Israel’s" allegations, coupled with its subsequent pressure on donor countries, have led to reduced funding for UNRWA. In Jordan alone, where the agency supports 2.3 million Palestinian refugees, the repercussions of this financial shortfall are being felt acutely.
UNRWA operates 25 primary healthcare centers across Jordan, delivering critical services to refugees. A suspension of support would result in severe shortages of medicine and healthcare, leaving thousands of vulnerable families without essential aid, including food and relief supplies.
"Any reduction or suspension of UNRWA humanitarian services will result in significant challenges in education, healthcare, and, social relief," warned an UNRWA spokesperson.
'Israel' bans UNRWA
On October 28, 2024, "Israel" enacted a law banning UNRWA activities within areas under its control and prohibiting Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency. The legislation, set to take effect later this month, has raised concerns over the potential closure of UNRWA’s operations in those areas.
UNRWA officials have already warned of tougher times ahead due to budget reductions from several donor countries.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, indicated that the forecast for 2025 is a little bit grim as several donor countries have indicated "that they will enter into an austerity period, an austerity budget."
Press TV highlighted that the potential reduction or suspension of UNRWA’s services is adding pressure on the Jordanian government, which is already grappling with significant economic challenges.
Both UNRWA and the Jordanian government have issued urgent calls for international support, warning that the crisis threatens the well-being of refugees and regional stability.
