Residents of Gaza are expressing deep concern over the potential ban of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by Israel, warning that access to essential supplies like flour and oil could become severely restricted.
The Israeli parliament's recent vote to effectively ban UNRWA has drawn widespread condemnation from Israel's allies, as well as from UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations.
The new laws are set to take effect within three months, raising alarms about the implications for the 1.2 million Palestinians who rely on the agency for basic services.
UNRWA is the largest UN operation in Gaza, employing approximately 13,000 people and playing a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and support.
The agency has been a target of Israeli criticism for decades, with tensions escalating significantly following the October 7 attacks, which Israel claims involved some UNRWA staff.
Despite international outcry, a senior ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not bow to pressure, signaling a firm stance against the agency.
As the situation develops, humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent dialogue to address the potential fallout from the ban and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to the people of Gaza