JERUSALEM — Recent Israeli legislation aimed at severing ties with the U.N. agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees has sparked concerns regarding the potential exclusion of one of the primary aid providers in Gaza. This development comes as the agency’s future within the war-torn territory hangs in the balance, with the implications of the new laws remaining somewhat ambiguous.
The agency, known as UNRWA, plays a crucial role in offering essential services to millions of Palestinians in the Middle East and has been a fundamental component of the aid efforts in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The new legislation, which passed with substantial parliamentary support on Monday, prohibits UNRWA from functioning within Israel, with Israeli officials alleging that the agency has allowed Hamas to exploit aid resources and use its facilities for militant activities. However, UNRWA has consistently refuted these claims, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality and its swift action against any unethical behavior among its personnel.
The enactment of these two laws is likely to hinder UNRWA’s operations in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as Israel maintains strict control over access to these regions. Nevertheless, the specifics regarding the implementation of these laws and any possible exemptions remain uncertain, and it’s plausible that legal challenges could arise against the legislation.
The consequences could be dire for the Palestinian population in Gaza, which depends significantly on emergency food assistance as the conflict persists. As local authorities report, the war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced approximately 90% of the 2.3 million residents, leaving the region devastated.
In terms of the laws themselves, the first explicitly restricts UNRWA from undertaking any missions, delivering services, or engaging in activities within what Israel deems its sovereign borders. There is ambiguity surrounding whether the agency may continue operations in Gaza and the West Bank, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 conflict but not formally annexed, a scenario that the Palestinians aspire to change through statehood.
The second law precludes Israeli government bodies from any communication with UNRWA, effectively nullifying an accord established in 1947 that facilitated the agency’s operations in the region.
Given Israel’s stringent control over the points of access to Gaza and the West Bank, aid workers from UNRWA may find it increasingly difficult to enter and leave these areas, as well as to transport essential supplies for educational institutions, healthcare services, and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the staff may lose their privileges regarding tax exemptions and legal protections.
UNRWA’s headquarters are located in East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed during the 1967 conflict—a move met with little international recognition. The agency’s logistical pathways to the affected territories primarily traverse through Israel, thus any shutdown of these routes could exacerbate the already pressing challenges associated with delivering crucial goods, ranging from food staples to blankets and mattresses. Presently, all aid shipments destined for Gaza must be vetted by COGAT, the Israeli military authority that oversees civilian matters, further complicating the delivery process amidst military engagements and locally deteriorating conditions.
In the initial three weeks of October, aid entering Gaza plummeted significantly, with reports indicating that only 704 aid trucks crossed into Gaza, a staggering reduction compared to the over 3,000 trucks in prior months. COGAT attributed this decrease to closure measures linked to Jewish holiday observances and ongoing military actions in northern Gaza.
The new legislation is also poised to limit UNRWA’s financial activities within Israel, raising serious questions about how the agency will pay its workforce of thousands in Gaza and the West Bank. It’s anticipated that international staff may need to relocate to other countries, such as Jordan.
Human rights organizations assert that Israel is mandated by international law to cater to the basic necessities of individuals in territories under its occupation. Moreover, the Biden administration has indicated that continued military support may be contingent upon a significant increase in the aid flow into Gaza.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department voiced serious concerns regarding the legislation, stating it could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of Palestinians dependent on UNRWA’s services. Engagement with the Israeli government is expected to occur to deliberate on how the legislation will affect operations and the potential for legal disputes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed on Monday that Israel remains open to collaborating with international partners to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gazan civilians while ensuring Israel’s security interests are not compromised.
However, many international stakeholders contend that alternatives to UNRWA simply do not exist. A representative from UNICEF criticized the new laws sharply, remarking that they could detrimentally impact children in Gaza by undermining critical aid delivery. He warned that without UNRWA, the humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza could collapse, rendering other organizations incapable of providing essential resources like food and medical supplies effectively.
Israeli officials are exploring prospects for either military or private sector entities to take on responsibility for aid distribution, but detailed plans are still lacking. All inquiries regarding the new legislation have been directed by COGAT to the Israeli government.
The ramifications extend beyond just UNRWA’s capacity to deliver assistance in Gaza, where it stands as a primary employer. The agency also runs schools in the occupied West Bank that cater to over 330,000 students, alongside health facilities and various development initiatives.
The head of the International Organization for Migration stressed that the void left by UNRWA would be unmanageable, describing the agency as vital for education, healthcare, and other fundamental needs for the population that has resided in the region for generations.