The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has vowed to continue its vital assistance to millions of Palestinians despite a new Israeli ban that came into effect on Thursday.
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed laws prohibiting UNRWA from operating within the country and banning Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency. As the laws took effect, UNRWA reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate.
“UNRWA says that it is committed to staying and delivering,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a press briefing. He noted that while the agency’s headquarters in East Jerusalem was largely empty except for security personnel, staff members were actively working in the field, operating clinics, or working remotely.
“Clinics across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are open,” Dujarric said. He added that UNRWA continues to provide health and education services, as well as food aid, in the Gaza Strip.
When asked about the agency’s response to the Israeli legislation, Dujarric replied, “The directive is that UNRWA will continue to do its work until it no longer can.”
On Wednesday, Israel announced it would sever all ties with UNRWA, accusing the agency of employing members of Hamas and enabling “terror activity” in Gaza. “UNRWA is riddled with Hamas,” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted on social media platform X. “Beginning Jan. 30, Israel will cease all engagement with UNRWA in accordance with Israeli law,” he wrote.
Since 1950, UNRWA has been providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The agency’s work includes education, healthcare, and social services, which are crucial for the well-being of millions of Palestinians.
The Israeli ban, which threatens life-saving aid and services, has been met with condemnation from international leaders and humanitarian organizations. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the dire consequences that such a ban could have on Palestinian communities reliant on UNRWA’s support.
