Israel's new landmark bill set to cut UN aid operations in Gaza raises alarms among allies

UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, highlighted the potential consequences, describing the agency as "the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza." If the law is implemented, it could leave a dangerous vacuum in aid distribution.

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Bhaskar Chakravorty
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Lawmaker Boaz Bismuth, co-sponsor of the bill, described the legislation as a "call for justice," contending that UNRWA serves Hamas rather than refugees. (X/vtmsolver)

World News: In a significant legislative move, Israeli lawmakers passed a bill on Monday aimed at halting the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) within Israel. The new law, which still awaits final implementation, has raised serious concerns among international allies over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. UNRWA has been a major provider of aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees across the region, including the West Bank and Gaza, where it supports over 1.9 million displaced Palestinians facing acute shortages of food, water, and medical care.

Impact on humanitarian aid distribution

The law prohibits UNRWA from any activities or service provisions within Israel, putting immediate strain on Gaza's fragile aid infrastructure. UNRWA's suspension could collapse aid distribution channels, especially as the war in Gaza intensifies. Israel has defended the legislation by citing security concerns, claiming that several UNRWA staff have alleged ties to Hamas militants, accusations that prompted some international donors to withdraw funding from the agency in previous years. While some funds have been restored, the organization remains a critical, yet fragile, link in Gaza's aid network.

"A Call for Justice" or a strained humanitarian system?

Lawmaker Boaz Bismuth, co-sponsor of the bill, described the legislation as a "call for justice," contending that UNRWA serves Hamas rather than refugees. The bill passed in a decisive 92–10 vote after a heated parliamentary debate, predominantly opposed by Arab members of Israel's Knesset. Supporters argue the law targets Hamas-affiliated operatives, while opponents warn it endangers Palestinian civilians reliant on UNRWA's education, healthcare, and support programs.

Global concern as Gaza's death toll mounts

International aid groups and Western allies, including the United States, voiced strong objections. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over the law's impact, stating that “There's nobody that can replace [UNRWA] right now in the middle of the crisis.” UNRWA's communications director, Juliette Touma, highlighted the potential consequences, describing the agency as "the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza." If the law is implemented, it could leave a dangerous vacuum in aid distribution.

Escalating conflict and humanitarian toll

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to climb. In Gaza, the conflict's death toll has reportedly surpassed 43,000, with Palestinian health officials indicating that more than half are women and children. The Israeli military has been urging civilians to evacuate northern Gaza, where ongoing offensives continue, including raids near key hospitals. These actions, aimed at disrupting alleged militant strongholds, have raised further concerns over civilian safety amid restricted medical access.

The bill will take effect 60 to 90 days after Israel's Foreign Ministry informs the UN, with no current provisions for alternative agencies to replace UNRWA's essential services.