Israel announced on Monday that it has terminated the agreement facilitating the work of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which is the main aid provider in Gaza. This move is seen as a step towards implementing legislation passed last month that would sever ties with the agency and prevent it from operating in Israel. Israel alleges that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas, a claim that the agency denies, stating that it maintains neutrality.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that it has notified the U.N. of the cancellation of an agreement dating back to 1967 that facilitates UNRWA's work. Israel views UNRWA as part of the problem in the Gaza Strip rather than part of the solution. Aid groups have expressed concerns that this decision could significantly impede UNRWA's operations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While Israel suggests that other U.N. agencies and aid groups can step in, organizations argue that UNRWA's services are indispensable.
