UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over draft Israeli legislation that would bar the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Gaza and the West Bank.
Speaking to reporters, Guterres called the potential law a “catastrophe” for humanitarian efforts, particularly in Gaza, which is already grappling with severe hardship.
Israel’s parliament had previously given initial approval to a bill labeling UNRWA a terrorist organization. Israeli leaders, including U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, have accused the agency of enabling terrorism by collaborating with Hamas militants. This comes after reports that nine UNRWA staff were implicated in the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Several of them were dismissed, and a former Hamas commander had previously worked for the agency.
Guterres emphasized that such measures would hinder efforts to alleviate human suffering in the occupied Palestinian territories. Tensions between Israel and UNRWA have grown in recent months, with Israel advocating for the agency’s dissolution. Meanwhile, Guterres also reiterated the importance of civilian safety amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
The proposed law, if passed, could escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and complicate peacekeeping efforts in the region.
