Israel passes legislation designating UNRWA a terrorist organisation, bans work on Israeli soil

Israel passes legislation designating UNRWA a terrorist organisation, bans work on Israeli soil

By abc.net.au
Tuesday 29/10/2024
The UN agency has provided vital aid to Palestinians since the Israeli invasion. (ABC News: Haidarr Jones)

Israel's parliament has passed legislation that could restrict the main UN agency providing aid to people in Gaza.

The new laws designate UNRWA a terrorist organisation, cutting diplomatic ties with the agency and barring it from operating on Israeli soil.

The two bills prohibit ties between Israeli officials and the agency, and strips its staff of their legal immunities.

They ban UNRWA from conducting "any activity" or providing any service inside Israel.

The legislation, which would not take effect immediately, risks collapsing the fragile aid distribution process at a moment when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening and Israel is under increased US pressure to ramp up aid.

The vote passed 92-10 and followed a fiery debate between supporters of the law and its opponents, mostly members of Arab parliamentary parties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said UNRWA workers must be held accountable for what he called their "terrorist activities" against the country.

He also said sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza "now and in the future".

Israel accuses UNRWA of ties to Hamas

Taken together, these bills would signal a new low in relations between Israel and UNRWA, which Israel accuses of maintaining close ties with Hamas militants.

Australia and the US were among countries that paused funding for UNRWA this year after it was revealed members of staff were involved in the October 7 attack.

UNRWA terminated the contracts of 10 of the 12 people accused and a subsequent review found no evidence to support Israel’s accusation that 450 UNRWA staff were military operatives in Gaza terrorist groups.

The changes would also be a serious blow to the agency and to Palestinians in Gaza who have become reliant upon it for aid throughout more than a year of devastating war.

The bills risk crippling the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

More than 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes and Gaza faces widespread shortages of food, water and medicine.

Israel has alleged that some of UNRWA's thousands of staff members participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that sparked the war in Gaza.

The attack left about 1,200 people dead, with about 250 hostages taken back to Gaza.

In retaliation, Israel's invasion of Gaza has killed more than 42,000 people, according to local health authorities.

The Australian government considers Hamas to be a terrorist organisation.

US has deep concern over ban US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said UNRWA played an "irreplaceable role right now in Gaza" and that the US had raised concerns with the Israeli government.

"So we have made quite clear to the government of Israel that we are deeply concerned by this," he said.

"Passage of this legislation could have implications under US law and US policy that remains the case.

"Look, UNWRA plays a critical, important role in delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians that need it in Gaza.

"That's not the only role they play. They play an important role providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank and throughout the region as well.

"But they really play an irreplaceable role right now in Gaza, where they are on the front lines getting humanitarian assistance to the people that need it."

Original Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-29/israel-passes-legislation-restricting-unrwa/104529954?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

FEATURE NEWS
Brumbies claim 36-32 win over Drua to become first Australian side to win in Fiji
The Brumbies have become the first Australian franchise side to win on Fiji soil after defeating the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 36-32 at the HFC Bank ...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Grieving mother honours late son at WOWS Fiji International Childhood Cancer Day event
An emotional Miriama Vosa was with the Walk On Walk Strong Kids Fiji team that celebrated International Childhood Cancer Day with a 3km Fun Walk and ...
4 hours ago

Upgrades underway as Suva Bus Stand renovation aims to tackle flooding and traffic issues
Fijians should expect ongoing progress in the coming weeks on the Suva Bus Stand as development continues with the excavation and removal of the ...
4 hours ago

Loyal fan travels from Bua to support Fijian Drua in season opener
An exciting moment for Ulaiasi Uto, who traveled from Bua two days ago to witness the Round 1 match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific between ...
6 hours ago

Authorities investigate fuel drum found in Suva Harbour as potential spill source
The fuel spill on Wednesday was likely caused by a red 44-gallon fuel drum branded ‘Total,’ which was found filled with seawater near Salia Reef. ...
7 hours ago

Prof Shameem stresses constitutional amendments must follow proper procedures
University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem has stressed that any amendment in the 2013 Constitution should be done according to ...
7 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
World Radio Day
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
2 days ago

Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Health Minister, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
10 days ago

PM Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. The in-depth interview will focus on many issues facing the ...
14 days ago

TOP