Israel's recent ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has sparked outrage and concern among humanitarian workers and organizations. The move, passed by Israel's parliament, is seen as a severe blow to the nearly 2 million people in Gaza who are already facing extreme hunger due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, has described the ban as a 'death sentence' for Palestinians in Gaza. The restrictions imposed on UNRWA's operations in territories occupied by Israel, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, are expected to have dire consequences for the vulnerable population in these areas.
Fakhri emphasized that the ban not only undermines the right to food for Gazans but also represents an attack on the United Nations itself. He expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as a state of 'horror and devastation.'
The decision to ban UNRWA from operating in Israel-occupied territories has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. Humanitarian workers and organizations have raised alarms about the impact this move will have on the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Efforts are underway to address the critical needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza, but the ban on UNRWA's operations poses a significant obstacle to providing essential assistance and support to those in need. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for urgent action to ensure that the rights and well-being of Palestinians in Gaza are protected.
