aljazeera.com
Israel Bans UNRWA, Sparking International Crisis
Israel's ban on UNRWA sparks international outcry, threatening essential services for millions of Palestinian refugees.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsMiddle EastIsraelConflictPalestineHumanitarianUnrwa
UnrwaUnited NationsHamasIsraeli Ministry Of Foreign AffairsEuropean Union
Philippe LazzariniIsrael KatzBenjamin NetanyahuRiyad MansourHadi Hashim
- What are Israel's justifications for banning UNRWA?
- Israel's justification for the ban centers on allegations that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. However, Lazzarini claims Israel has not provided evidence to support these claims, despite repeated requests.
- What is the primary issue discussed in the article?
- UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, is facing a potential collapse due to Israel's decision to ban the organization. The ban, announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry, effectively terminates a 1967 cooperation agreement and raises concerns about the welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees.
- What are the potential consequences of the UNRWA ban?
- The potential consequences of the ban are severe. The closure of UNRWA would disrupt essential services for millions of Palestinian refugees, impacting education, healthcare, and overall humanitarian aid in Gaza and the occupied territories.
- How has the international community reacted to Israel's decision?
- The international community's reaction to the ban has been mixed. While countries like Jordan, South Africa, and the European Union have condemned the decision, Israel defends its actions, arguing that UNRWA is obsolete and fosters anti-Israel sentiment.
- What is Philippe Lazzarini's role and what is his plea to the UN?
- Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's commissioner-general, has urged the UN to intervene and prevent the implementation of the ban. He highlights the critical role UNRWA plays in providing essential services, such as education and healthcare, to Palestinian refugees, warning of catastrophic consequences if the agency is dismantled.