Israel officially notifies the UN of the cancellation of its UNRWA agreement

The Israeli Foreign Minister downplays the impact on Palestinians, arguing that only a portion of Gaza aid flows through UNRWA.

4th November 2024

2 minutes read

Israel officially notifies the UN of the cancellation of its UNRWA agreement

Israel announced on Monday that it had formally notified the United Nations of the termination of its relationship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following the country’s parliamentary approval of this controversial step, which is likely to further complicate the situation for Palestinians.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Following the directives of Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the ministry informed the United Nations of the cancellation of the agreement between the State of Israel and UNRWA.”

In a statement, Katz said, “UNRWA, whose staff were involved in the massacre of October 7 and many of whom belong to Hamas, is part of the problem in Gaza, not part of the solution.”

In response to this decision, the Palestinian presidency stated that Israel’s severing of ties with UNRWA disregards all international norms and conventions.

Last month, the Israeli parliament approved a proposal banning UNRWA activities in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, despite international condemnation, including from the United States, Israel’s ally.

Experts believe that banning the agency, which provides vital aid to Palestinians, could hamper humanitarian efforts in Gaza if implemented. However, Katz disputed this, emphasizing that only a portion of the aid to Gaza flows through UNRWA.

He explained, “The majority of humanitarian aid to Gaza currently passes through other organizations, with only 13% going through UNRWA.”

He added, “The State of Israel is committed to respecting international law and will continue to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza in a manner that does not compromise the security of Israeli citizens.”

In January, Israel accused about ten UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks launched by Hamas, which triggered a destructive and deadly war in Gaza.

A series of investigations revealed “neutrality issues” within the agency, indicating that nine employees “might be involved” in the attacks, though no evidence has substantiated Israel’s main allegations.

UNRWA was established in December 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly following the first Arab-Israeli conflict and the creation of the State of Israel in May 1948. The agency primarily operates health centers and schools in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The UN agency, which provides essential aid to Palestinians, employs around 18,000 people in the West Bank and Gaza, including 13,000 in education and 1,500 in health. For over seven decades, UNRWA has offered essential assistance to Palestinians and, along with other humanitarian organizations, has accused Israeli authorities of restricting the flow of aid to Gaza.

UNRWA has suffered significant losses, with at least 223 of its employees killed, and two-thirds of its facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the outbreak of the war.