Israel ends agreement with UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees
Israel has officially informed the United Nations that it is ending its agreement with the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which has been in place since 1967. This decision follows recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament banning UNRWA's operations in Israel.
The Israeli government has criticized UNRWA for alleged anti-Israel bias and claims of infiltration by Hamas. The new legislation raises concerns among the U.N. and some Western allies about worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hamas.
While the ban does not explicitly prohibit UNRWA's work in the West Bank and Gaza, it is expected to significantly hinder its operations there. Israel plans to increase support for other international organizations as it prepares to sever ties with UNRWA.