The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has been ordered to halt its operations in Jerusalem and vacate all its premises by January 30, 2025.
This directive was conveyed by Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, in a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The decision follows recent Israeli legislation banning UNRWA from operating within Israel and East Jerusalem, an area annexed by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The Israeli government has intensified its criticism of UNRWA, particularly since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Allegations have emerged that a small number of UNRWA employees were linked to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Although these claims remain contentious, they have added fuel to Israel’s longstanding grievances against the agency.
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UNRWA, established in 1949, has been a vital lifeline for approximately six million Palestinian refugees. It provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and social support across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
East Jerusalem has historically served as a key administrative hub for the agency and is home to several UNRWA-run schools and health clinics.
Israel’s new legislation not only prohibits direct contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA but also effectively blocks the agency’s operations in Jerusalem.
However, the law stops short of banning UNRWA from functioning in Gaza or the West Bank. This decision has drawn widespread international concern, with critics warning of potential humanitarian repercussions.
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UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has expressed alarm over the move, emphasizing its potential to destabilize fragile ceasefire efforts in Gaza.
“Preventing the agency from continuing its work could undermine peace efforts and crush the hopes of people who have already endured unimaginable suffering,” Lazzarini stated on social media.
As UNRWA prepares for the January 30 deadline, questions loom over how Palestinian refugees in Jerusalem will access essential services. Many fear that the removal of the agency’s support systems could deepen the ongoing humanitarian crisis and further strain relations between Israel and the international community.
The future of UNRWA’s operations in other parts of the region remains uncertain, as global stakeholders grapple with the implications of Israel’s actions. For the millions who depend on its services, the agency’s work is not just essential but irreplaceable.
AFP
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