TEL AVIV, October 28, 2024 (WAFA) - Israel's Knesset (Parliament) officially passed a law, in its second and third readings, that bans the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israel, despite warnings by the United Nations and international organizations about the risks of this legislation, which violates international and UN charters and laws.
The new law, proposed by Knesset member Boaz Bismuth, marks a first-of-its-kind restriction on UNRWA operations in Israel.
A Knesset statement noted that the bill introduced by MP Boaz Bismuth, which constitutes a precedent for halting UNRWA's activities in Israel, has passed all its readings in the Knesset plenum, becoming a law.
The legislation prohibits UNRWA from operating representative offices, offering services, or engaging in any form of activity within Israeli territories, either directly or indirectly, aiming to completely bar the agency's presence.
Earlier, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that the Israeli bill to restrict UNRWA operations within Israel is contrary to the UN Charter and Israel's obligations under international law.
Dujarric emphasized the legal implications and potential humanitarian consequences of restricting UNRWA’s functions, particularly regarding Palestinian refugees' access to essential services.
Dujarric noted in Monday's daily press briefing that UN Secretary-General António Guterres had sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the bill under consideration in the Israeli Knesset.
Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the United States Department of State said before the passage of the law, that the U.S. has made it clear to Israel it is deeply concerned by the legislation, as UNRWA has an irreplaceable role in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The European Union also expressed deep concern regarding the recently passed law prohibiting the operations of UNRWA in Israel, stating that it would have far-reaching consequences, rendering UNRWA's vital operations in Gaza impossible and severely hindering the agency's ability to provide health, education and social services in the occupied West Bank.
Under the newly passed law, Israel will terminate the 1967 agreement that permitted UNRWA operations within its territories, which would lead to the closure of its premises in the occupied Palestinian territory – West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The law further prohibits any contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA personnel.
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