In a move that has drawn significant international condemnation, the Knesset approved two bills on Monday aimed at terminating the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israeli territory, particularly in East Jerusalem.
The first bill prohibits UNRWA from operating representative offices or providing services within Israel. It was spearheaded by Knesset member Boaz Bismut and supported by a coalition of other lawmakers. The legislation passed with 92 votes in favor and only 10 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was notably absent during the vote.
The second bill targets UNRWA’s benefits, including tax exemptions and diplomatic immunities, and mandates that state authorities refrain from any contact with the agency. This proposal was a merger of several legislative initiatives by various Knesset members, including one initially seeking to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization but was later softened due to legal concerns.
Implications for UNRWA Services
UNRWA has been providing critical services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation in East Jerusalem, particularly in the Shoafat refugee camp. The approved bills threaten to disrupt these essential services, raising fears among UNRWA officials about the potential collapse of its operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Philip Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, criticized the legislation as “collective punishment,” stating that it would exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians already facing dire conditions, particularly in Gaza.
International Reactions
The bills have sparked outrage from global leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who previously urged the Israeli government to reconsider the legislation. They warned that passing these laws could have dire consequences for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, impacting education and welfare services for tens of thousands of Palestinians.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated concerns about the potential violation of American laws and emphasized the need for Israel to suspend the implementation of the laws.
Domestic Political Dynamics
The passage of these bills has placed Netanyahu and his government in a difficult position, as they face mounting pressure both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that the legislation could embarrass Israel on the world stage, particularly in light of the absence of a viable alternative to UNRWA's services.
As tensions escalate, Israel has also taken additional actions against UNRWA, including plans to expropriate its compound in Jerusalem for residential development. This follows a government directive aimed at preparing for the cessation of UNRWA’s activities in the city.
The ongoing developments signal a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations and highlight the complex interplay between domestic politics and international diplomacy.
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