Israel cancels agreement with UN agency providing aid in Gaza
Israel has ended its agreement with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, which has been the main aid provider in Gaza. This move follows legislation passed last month aimed at severing ties with the agency, which Israel claims is infiltrated by Hamas.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the cancellation of a 1967 agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate. Israel asserts that UNRWA contributes to the problems in Gaza, while the agency denies these claims and emphasizes its commitment to neutrality.
Aid groups warn that this decision could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UNRWA provides essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees. Israel suggests that other U.N. agencies can take over UNRWA's role, but those organizations argue that UNRWA is crucial for aid delivery.