Israel severs ties with UNRWA amid mounting Gaza crisis

Israel has announced its decision to cut ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), accusing some of its employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023 events and allowing Hamas to use its facilities.

The Israeli government alleged that UNRWA harbored Hamas operatives and accused its commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, of approving salaries for individuals connected to the kidnapping of an Israeli captive. Israel's UN Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, stated on social media platform X that "It's time for the UN to recognize that UNRWA has failed in its mandate."

In response, Lazzarini characterized Israel's decision as a "relentless assault," warning that such actions would negatively impact "the lives and future of Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory." When questioned about essential services provision, Israeli authorities suggested other organizations could fill the gap.

UNRWA, which maintains the largest UN presence in Gaza with 13,000 personnel across 300 premises, provides crucial healthcare and education services to Palestinians. Lazzarini emphasized the organization's vital role, stating, "UNRWA is the doctors and nurses providing healthcare; the aid workers giving food; and the mechanics and engineers building and repairing wells for clean drinking water."

The United States has supported Israel's position, with its UN representative asserting that "UNRWA is not and never has been the only option" for delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians. This stance aligns with previous US actions, as it was among the countries that suspended funding to UNRWA shortly after October 7.

The development comes amid an ongoing ceasefire agreement involving prisoner exchanges between Hamas and Israel. Lazzarini warned that hampering UNRWA's operations would compromise international humanitarian response efforts and impede Gaza's recovery and political transitions.

The impact of Israel's military operations in Gaza has been severe, with reported casualties reaching 47,354 deaths and over 111,563 injuries. Officials note that these numbers may increase as more bodies are discovered in the rubble. Additionally, approximately 300,000 Palestinians have returned to the northern region of Gaza, facing significant challenges including destroyed infrastructure and food shortages.