Israel ends ties with UNRWA following new legislation banning its operations

Israel has officially ended its ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after passing two bills that prohibit the agency from operating in Israel. This decision follows allegations that UNRWA employees are linked to Hamas. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cancellation of a 1967 cooperation agreement is due to UNRWA's alleged role in the conflict. UNRWA has warned that this ban could lead to a collapse of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where it provides essential services to nearly six million Palestinian refugees. The World Food Programme has raised concerns about a potential famine in Gaza, exacerbated by restrictions on food and supplies. UNRWA's role in administering shelters and health services is deemed irreplaceable by aid groups, despite Israel's claims that other organizations can fill the gap.