Israel Votes to Severely Limit UN Agency’s Gaza Operations

Israel’s parliament on Monday passed legislation that could ban the main U.N. agency providing aid to people in Gaza from operating on Israeli soil.

The bill, which passed 92-10, bars United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from conducting “any activity” or providing any service inside Israel.

The legislation comes at a critical time when humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with over 1.9 million Palestinians displaced and facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. More than a year of conflict has exacerbated the situation, and the newly-passed legislation threatens to cripple the flow of aid to those reliant on UNRWA’s services.

Why Did Israel Vote on Aid for the Gaza Strip?

Israel has alleged that some UNRWA employees were complicit in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that ignited the current war, claiming that militants have used UNRWA facilities to store weapons.

The agency has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that it does not knowingly aid armed groups and takes measures to remove suspected militants from its ranks.

A second bill that would cut diplomatic ties with UNRWA is set to be voted on later Monday.

How Is Humanitarian Aid Reaching Gaza?

The bill could take effect within 60 to 90 days following notification from Israel’s Foreign Ministry to the U.N., according to a spokesperson for Dan Illouz, one of the bill’s cosponsors.

Prior to the bill’s passing, Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, said: “If it passes and if it’s implemented, it’s a disaster. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza. Who can do its job?”

As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 43,000 amid ongoing Israeli military operations.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over half of the deceased are women and children, although the figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Israeli forces have intensified their focus on northern Gaza, conducting raids on hospitals and other facilities they allege are being used by Hamas.

On Friday, Israeli forces targeted the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, claiming heavy fighting occurred nearby and that weapons were discovered within the facility.

Although the military stated that the raid had concluded, Palestinian medical officials have accused Israel of endangering civilians and denying the military’s claims of militant activity in hospitals.

The Israeli military also reported detaining around 100 suspected Hamas militants during recent operations, asserting that some had disguised themselves as medical personnel.

The World Health Organization confirmed that 44 male hospital staff members were detained, but the reasons for discrepancies in reported figures remain unclear.

The Kamal Adwan Hospital, which was treating approximately 200 patients, sustained significant damage during the raid.

International Responses and ceasefire Efforts

The ongoing war has drawn international concern, leading to renewed efforts by mediators to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Following a meeting in Qatar between Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea, CIA head David Burns, and the Qatari prime minister, Israel indicated a willingness to explore a temporary halt in hostilities.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has proposed a two-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of four hostages.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with calls for increased aid and access continuing to mount as the conflict endures.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.