UNRWA defies Israeli ban, continues aid operations in West Bank, Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Jan 2025 23:47

"Israel" has consistently sought to dismantle the agency, seeing it as an obstacle to its long-standing policy of demographic engineering—one that seeks to remove Palestinians from their land while expanding illegal settlements.

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Offices of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees, known as UNRWA, are seen in the Shuafat refugee camp in occupied al-Quds, Monday, January 27, 2025. (AP)

The United Nations has reaffirmed that its agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, will continue its work in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East occupied al-Quds, despite "Israel's" decision earlier today to cut ties with the organization.

The move, which officially came into effect on Thursday, prohibits UNRWA from operating within Israeli-controlled areas, following accusations that the agency provides cover for Hamas fighters. Under the new law, UNRWA staff have been forced to vacate their offices in al-Quds due to "security concerns", while Palestinian employees have been advised to stay away.

The ban also restricts Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA representatives, further complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid amid recovery efforts in Gaza. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that "UNRWA clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open," and that humanitarian operations in Gaza continue.

However, with "Israel" severing ties, concerns have been raised over how effectively aid can be delivered, given UNRWA's significant role in providing essential services.

Weaponizing 'security' to justify ethnic cleansing

UNRWA has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees for more than 70 years, providing food, education, and medical assistance. However, "Israel" has consistently sought to dismantle the agency, seeing it as an obstacle to its long-standing policy of demographic engineering—one that seeks to remove Palestinians from their land while expanding illegal settlements.

Following the Palestinian Resistance operation of October 7, 2023, "Israel" has escalated its propaganda campaign against UNRWA, accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas. Israeli officials claim that UNRWA employs over 1,200 Hamas members, but they have yet to provide verifiable evidence for these allegations.

These claims have served as a convenient pretext to justify "Israel's" blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where it has imposed a devastating siege and relentless bombardment, pushing Palestinians to the brink of famine.

Despite "Israel's" escalating attacks on UNRWA, the agency continues to receive strong backing from the international community. Norway announced a $24 million contribution to support its critical work in Gaza. "Gaza is in ruins, and UNRWA's help is more necessary than ever," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Turkey also denounced "Israel's" actions, calling the ban "a blatant violation of international law." Turkish officials warned that "Israel" is deliberately trying to dismantle international mechanisms that protect Palestinian rights as part of a broader campaign of occupation and forced displacement.

Apartheid regime defends its crackdown on humanitarian aid

"Israel's" justification for banning UNRWA follows its well-established pattern of criminalizing any institution that supports Palestinian survival and resistance.

"Humanitarian aid doesn't equal UNRWA, and UNRWA doesn't equal humanitarian aid. UNRWA equals an organization infested with Hamas terror activity," claimed Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein, in an attempt to delegitimize the agency's essential role.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer doubled down on these allegations, stating, "If a state funds UNRWA, that state is funding terrorists." Such rhetoric serves to shield "Israel" from accountability as it continues its campaign of mass displacement, indiscriminate bombings, and settler expansion in Palestinian territories.

A legal challenge to the ban, filed by Palestinian rights group Adalah, was dismissed by "Israel's" Supreme Court, which ruled that the law only applies to Israeli-controlled areas, not Gaza or the West Bank. However, Adalah warned that the decision would take effect "disregarding the catastrophic humanitarian consequences," as it further isolates Palestinians from crucial aid networks.

Strangling Palestinian aid: A strategy of starvation and control

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have condemned "Israel's" move as an escalation of its ongoing war crimes in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged "Israel" to reverse its decision, noting that UNRWA plays an irreplaceable role in providing life-saving assistance. "I regret this decision and request that the government of Israel retract it," he stated.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini also denounced the ban, warning that "Israel's" assault on the agency is "harming the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory."

UNRWA is responsible for 60% of food aid reaching Gaza, which has been under an Israeli-imposed blockade for nearly two decades. Cutting ties with the agency effectively serves as another weapon in "Israel's" arsenal of collective punishment, designed to push Palestinians toward starvation.