🗂️ Topic: International Affairs / Humanitarian Issues / West Asia

Israel Bans UNRWA Operations in West Bank and East Jerusalem Amid Controversy

Introduction

On October 2024, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) passed legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The laws also prohibit any official interaction between Israeli authorities and UNRWA. These laws came into effect on January 30, 2025, intensifying humanitarian and political tensions in the region.

🏢 What is UNRWA?

• A UN agency created in 1949 after the Nakba (mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948)
• Provides essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across:
  • West Bank (19 camps)
  • Gaza (8 camps)
  • Jordan (10 camps)
  • Lebanon (12 camps)
  • Syria (9 camps)

📚 UNRWA’s Role in Gaza & West Bank

• Education: Supports 300,000 children, nearly half of Gaza’s students
• Healthcare: Serves 1.2 million in Gaza, 900,000 in West Bank
• Food Aid: Feeds 1.13 million in Gaza, and thousands more in West Bank

🚫 Why Did Israel Ban UNRWA?

• Alleged Involvement in Hamas Attacks:
  Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks
• Long-standing Criticism:
  • Claims that UNRWA perpetuates refugee status
  • Alleged that the agency undermines peace by promoting “Right of Return”
• Educational Content Concerns:
  • Israeli reports claim school textbooks incite anti-Israel sentiment
  • Supported by European Parliament and some EU watchdogs
• Funding Suspensions:
  • Over 16 Western countries paused funding post-allegations
  • UN internal investigation found no verifiable evidence for the claims

⚠️ Impact of the Ban

• UNRWA loses access to key territories
• Aid delivery at risk: Agency handles 50%+ of Gaza’s aid
• Possible ceasefire collapse if humanitarian aid halts
• Over 2 million people may lose:
  • Food
  • Healthcare
  • Education

⚖️ Israel’s Role as Occupying Power

Under international humanitarian law, as the occupying power, Israel is responsible for:

• Welfare of occupied population
• Provision of essential services
• The ban raises questions about:
  • Compliance with Geneva Conventions
  • Accountability for displaced populations

💰 UNRWA Funding and Future Challenges

• 2023 budget: $1.46 billion
  Major donors:
  • USA: $422 million
  • Germany: $212.9 million
  • European Union: $120.2 million
• 2025 requirement: $1.7 billion
  • Food aid: $568.5 million
  • Water & sanitation: $282.6 million
  • Operational costs: $202.3 million