Israel bans UN agency providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank
Summary: Israel's parliament has voted to ban the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa, from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. This law prohibits contact between Unrwa employees and Israeli officials, significantly impacting aid distribution in Gaza and the West Bank.
Unrwa provides essential services to over two million people in Gaza, including food and medical care. The agency has faced criticism from Israel, which alleges that some staff are linked to Hamas. Israel's opposition to Unrwa has historical roots, dating back to its founding in 1949.
The ban complicates Unrwa's operations, as it relies on agreements with Israel for aid movement. The agency's director stated that the ban makes it nearly impossible to function effectively. Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged Israel to facilitate international aid access to Gaza.
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