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Israel’s Military Response to Hamas and the Ban on UNRWA

Israel's Military Response to Hamas and the Ban on UNRWA

Israel’s fights with Hamas, a militant group that governs Gaza, escalated significantly after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack caused substantial casualties and took hostages. In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. Their primary goal is to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and infrastructure.

Moreover, Israel’s parliament approved a law banning the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. Lawmakers specifically cited UNRWA’s alleged ties to Hamas as the reason for the ban. As a result, in three months, contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA employees will end. This action limits the agency’s ability to operate in Gaza and the West Bank, where it delivers essential aid.

Additionally, the U.S., U.K., and other nations have expressed concerns about the ban. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called UNRWA “irreplaceable” for providing vital aid to Gaza. Similarly, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that the decision could hinder the agency’s crucial work. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the ban as potentially “devastating” for Palestinian refugees, many of whom rely on UNRWA for essential services.

Furthermore, UNRWA has faced Israeli opposition for years. This opposition has intensified following accusations that some staff members were involved in the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Although the UN dismissed nine staff members, Israel provided no evidence for broader claims. Consequently, this led several Western countries to initially suspend their UNRWA funding, which has since been reinstated.

Finally, the new laws strip UNRWA staff of legal immunity in Israel and close its East Jerusalem headquarters. (BBC)

Also read: IMF and World Bank Leaders Worry Over Potential Trump Return

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