Egypt Daily News – Following the recent legislative actions by the Israeli Knesset to prohibit the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Israel has now formally notified the United Nations of the cancellation of an agreement that has been in place since 1967, governing its relations with UNRWA.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz articulated a strong stance against the agency, alleging that UNRWA employees played a role in the October 7 attack and claiming that the organization is more a part of the problem than a solution for the Gaza crisis.
This follows heightened Israeli criticism of UNRWA, especially since the eruption of hostilities in Gaza. Israeli authorities have accused numerous UNRWA staff members of involvement in the Hamas-led attacks, although investigations to substantiate these claims have reportedly found insufficient evidence.
The situation has been dire for UNRWA, with a significant toll on its personnel and infrastructure—over 223 staff members killed and a substantial number of its facilities in Gaza either damaged or destroyed since the conflict escalated.
These developments signal a turning point in the relationships between Israel, UNRWA, and the broader humanitarian efforts in the region, complicating the dynamics of aid and support for Palestinian refugees amidst ongoing violence.
