UNRWA

2024 - 10 - 29

UNRWA Do or Don’t? The Knesset's Controversial Ban and Its Outrageous Ripple Effects!

humanitarian aid - international law - Israel - Keir Starmer - Knesset - Palestinian refugees - Turkey - UK - UNRWA

What’s the fuss about UNRWA? Israel’s Knesset just voted to ban it, and the world is on edge! Join the debate about humanitarian aid and international law!

The recent decision by Israel's Knesset to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has sent ripples across the globe, leaving humanitarian workers, international diplomats, and concerned citizens in a state of agitation. As a key provider of services to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA has been likened to a lifeline amid swirling political chaos. With the UK, US, and other allies pushing for reconsideration, the silence from Jerusalem raises eyebrows and concerns alike.

A spokesperson from UNRWA has stated that the probability of their vital humanitarian operations in Gaza collapsing is now “very, very high.” This alarming perspective reflects the urgency of the situation, as UNRWA is not only pivotal in delivering food and medical supplies but also in offering education and shelter to millions. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed grave concern over the legislation, emphasizing the need for humanitarian consideration regardless of political tensions. Will this legislative move lead to a humanitarian disaster, or will it spark an international diplomatic intervention?

Multiple nations, including Turkey, have moved beyond mere diplomatic chatter, claiming that Israel’s action might contravene international law. The debates swirling around the legitimacy of such a ban brings to light the complexities of global humanitarian efforts versus national security. As protests flare up in support of Palestinian rights in many cities, it raises a vital question: can humanitarian agencies operate effectively in a politically fraught environment?

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time UNRWA has found itself at the center of controversy. Founded in 1949, the agency has been critical in supporting millions of Palestinian refugees for over 70 years. Meanwhile, as political leaders navigate this volatile landscape, the fate of humanitarian aid hangs delicately in the balance. Would banning an agency help resolve long-standing conflicts, or simply throw more refugees into a dire situation?

Did you know that UNRWA is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from UN member states? Countries like the US and EU have historically been significant contributors but have recently reassessed their funding commitments, leading to substantial deficits. Given that this agency provides crucial services to over 5 million Palestinian refugees, the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding UNRWA isn't just about a legal ban; it's about the lives and futures of millions of vulnerable people. So, what next? Only time will tell if the Knesset’s decision will spark a larger humanitarian crisis or if voices for reason will echo louder in the halls of power.

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Image courtesy of "EJIL: Talk!"

The General Assembly Must Protect UNRWA by Requesting a ... (EJIL: Talk!)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly, provides a lifeline ...

Statement of the Secretary-General on Israeli legislation on UNRWA ... (UNRWA)

I am deeply concerned by the adoption today by the Knesset of Israel of two laws concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Israel's decision to ban UNRWA could have devastating impact on ... (Sky News)

Many of Israel's closest allies, including the US, UK, France and Germany, had urged the Israeli government to rethink - they were ignored.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Bill Shorten urges Israel to look after Palestinian civilians after ... (The Guardian)

Coalition meanwhile says Australia should divert aid funding away from the UN humanitarian assistance body.

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Image courtesy of "Al Arabiya English"

Turkey says Israel's move to ban UNRWA violates international law (Al Arabiya English)

Turkey's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Israel's decision to ban the UN relief agency UNRWA from operating inside of the country was a clear.

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Israel votes to ban UNRWA – everything you need to know (The National)

ISRAEL'S parliament has voted to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories in a move…

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Fears UNRWA's Gaza operation will collapse after ban (RTE.ie)

The likelihood of UNRWA's humanitarian operation in Gaza collapsing is "very, very high", a spokesperson said, after Israel voted to ban the agency from ...

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Knesset bans UNRWA, outlaws all official contact - JNS.org (JNS.org)

Palestinian supporters of Hamas protest against the U.S. Middle East peace plan front of the main headquarters the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) ...

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Image courtesy of "The Irish Times"

What is Unrwa and why has Israel's parliament voted to ban it? (The Irish Times)

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees will be banned from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

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Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

British PM Starmer says UK 'gravely concerned' by Israeli legislation ... (The Times of Israel)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK “is gravely concerned” after the Knesset passed two bills targeting the UN relief agency for Palestinian ...

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Monitor"

Israel parliament approves law banning 'terrorist group' UNRWA (Middle East Monitor)

During the opening of the winter session, the Knesset plenum approved in its final reading, a law banning the activity of the United Nations Relief and ...

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Trump's speeches have become more erratic and even profane, Israel has banned the UN agency for Palestinians refugees, UNRWA, and an ex-police detective ...

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Israel bans UNRWA: The world reacts (POLITICO.eu)

The U.K. is “gravely concerned,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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A joint UN mission in northern Gaza helps to transfer patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital to Al-Shifa Hospital. Thousands more sick and injured people need ...

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Daily Briefing Oct. 29: Day 389 – If UNRWA leaves Gaza, what ... (The Times of Israel)

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Starmer expresses 'grave concern' over Knesset Unrwa legislation (Jewish Chronicle)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed apprehension over legislation passed by the Knesset to curtail the activities of controversial Palestinian UN ...

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Law to ban UNRWA in Israel amounts to criminalization of ... (Amnesty International)

Reacting to the news that the Israeli parliament has passed a law to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East ...

Letter from UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini to the ... (UNRWA)

On 7 December 2023 and 22 February 2024, I wrote to the President of the General Assembly that UNRWA's ability to implement its mandate was under threat.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Could Israel's Unrwa ban lead to its suspension from the UN? (Middle East Eye)

On Monday, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, passed two laws banning Unrwa from operating inside Israel and occupied Palestine. Despite pressure from Israeli ...

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What does UNRWA do and why has Israel banned it from West Bank ... (Aljazeera.com)

What are in the bills passed by Israel to ban the Palestinian refugee agency, and what services is it responsible for?

Guterres: no alternative to “indispensable” UNRWA (UNRIC.org)

The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over Israel's Knesset adopting laws that may hinder UNRWA's vital work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

What is Unrwa and why has Israel banned it? (BBC News)

Israel's parliament voted on Monday evening to ban the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (Unrwa) from operating within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

Gaza horrors still 'not enough' for world to act, UNRWA says (POLITICO.eu)

The U.N. agency — which Israel partially banned on Monday — says over 70 percent of Gaza's population relies on its services to eat.

Israeli UNRWA ban will deepen Palestinian humanitarian catastrophe (MSF UK)

UNWRA healthcare teams see 15000 patients a day in Gaza but face a total ban.

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Image courtesy of "UNRIC.org"

European governments condemn Israel legislation on UNRWA (UNRIC.org)

Many Western European leaders have expressed their worries about Monday's vote by the Israeli Knesset banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

'Unrwa means everything to us': Gazans fear aid collapse (BBC News)

People in war-torn Gaza are already struggling with a deep humanitarian crisis but now they fear it will get much more difficult.

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Image courtesy of "International Organization for Migration"

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Geneva, 29 October 2024 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) fully supports the Secretary-General and the United Nations' resolute stance ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Gaza situation 'disastrous' and Israel ban on aid agency UNRWA ... (Sky News)

More than a year into the war which was sparked by Hamas's massacre in southern Israel on 7 October last year, the population in Gaza is in a "disastrous ...

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Image courtesy of "Muslim Council of Britain"

MCB Condemns Israeli Knesset Ban on UNRWA | Muslim Council of ... (Muslim Council of Britain)

The Muslim Council of Britain strongly condemns the Israeli Knesset's recent vote to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

Israel is right about UNRWA (Spectator.co.uk)

The Israeli parliament resumed its work on Monday after a long recess, and one of the first items on the agenda was voting on a bill that enjoyed rare ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Politics and starvation: Gaza learns of Israel's decision to ban UNRWA (Aljazeera.com)

Until this morning, 38-year-old Hussam Abu Ghaban had not heard of the Israeli Knesset's decision to ban the UN agency responsible for his family's welfare.

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