Israel's decision to ban UNRWA from operating in Gaza would have devastating humanitarian consequences for Palestinians, cutting off essential services and undermining the international aid system.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency ( UNRWA ) has been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza , the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Since the recent conflict in October 2023, UNRWA has delivered two-thirds of all food assistance to Gaza , provided shelter for nearly one million displaced people, and vaccinated a quarter of a million against polio.
The agency also plays a crucial role in coordinating logistics, safety, fuel provision, and movement of aid within Gaza. Unrwa's role in Gaza is so critical that the aid system would collapse without it. Water desalination plants and aid transportation would grind to a halt, leaving the already vulnerable population in even greater crisis.However, Israel is planning to ban UNRWA from operating in Gaza, a move that would have devastating consequences for Palestinians. The ban is set to come into effect on Thursday and would deprive millions of essential services, including education, healthcare, and food assistance. Health centres run by UNRWA often serve as the first and only point of care for many families, and this ban would dismantle a vital safety net at a time when Gaza's healthcare system has been heavily damaged by the recent conflict. Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, the ban on UNRWA sets a dangerous precedent for humanitarian organizations worldwide. It undermines the principles of international law and cooperation, and it sends a chilling message to other aid agencies operating in conflict zones. The international community must condemn this action and demand that Israel allow UNRWA to continue its vital work in Gaza. The lives and well-being of millions of Palestinians depend on it. The ban also ignores the International Court of Justice's rulings on the unlawfulness of Israel's presence in Gaza and the West Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and a second ruling on the need for Israel to allow for unhindered aid into Gaza. The agency employs thousands of Palestinians, providing a rare source of income in an area with rising rates of unemployment
GAZA UNRWA ISRAEL HUMANITARIAN AID INTERNATIONAL LAW PALESTINE CONFLICT HEALTHCARE EDUCATION HUMAN RIGHTS
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