Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations has formally requested the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to halt its operations in Jerusalem and vacate its premises by January 30, 2025. This directive comes in response to recent Israeli legislation terminating agreements with UNRWA due to national security concerns.
The Ambassador outlined the decision in a letter to the U.N. Secretary-General, citing the infiltration of terrorist organizations within UNRWA and the agency's failure to address Israel's security worries. President Donald Trump has also criticized UNRWA, leading to a reduction in U.S. funding for the agency.
Despite warnings of a potential humanitarian crisis for Palestinians relying on UNRWA services, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation severing all ties with the agency. The bills received broad support from Knesset members, with critics expressing concerns about the impact on essential services provided by UNRWA.
UNRWA, which has faced allegations of staff involvement in violent incidents, emphasized its commitment to neutrality and readiness to continue aid provision. The agency's spokesperson acknowledged the lack of a plan for ongoing operations post-ban but highlighted UNRWA's adherence to neutrality principles.
Israel's call for the U.N. to address terrorist infiltration within UNRWA aims to restore the organization's credibility. The U.N. Secretary-General's office reiterated the importance of supporting UNRWA's operations in the Palestinian Territory despite the challenges posed by the Israeli directive.
As the situation unfolds, both Israel and the U.N. are navigating the implications of the decision, with efforts to ensure the continuity of aid services to those in need. The future actions of both parties will determine the fate of UNRWA's presence in Jerusalem and its impact on Palestinian refugees.
