The Israeli Parliament passed legislation on Monday that could potentially threaten the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The bill, which bans UNRWA from operating on Israeli soil, has raised concerns about the already fragile aid distribution process in Gaza at a time when the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
The legislation, which has not yet taken effect, has been condemned by UNRWA, which expressed its concerns via a tweet. The vote, which passed with a 92-10 majority, followed a heated debate between supporters and opponents of the law, particularly members of Arab parliamentary parties.
A second bill that would sever diplomatic ties with UNRWA was also being voted on, signaling a potential new low in relations between Israel and the agency. Israel has accused UNRWA of maintaining ties with Hamas militants, further complicating the situation.
These bills could have severe consequences for Palestinians in Gaza, who rely heavily on UNRWA for aid during the ongoing crisis. The potential repercussions include a significant interruption in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced and facing shortages of essential supplies.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate and with increased pressure on Israel to provide aid, the passing of these bills could exacerbate the already dire conditions in the region.
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