The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that its humanitarian efforts in the occupied territories and Gaza were ongoing on Friday, despite an Israeli ban that came into effect the previous day and what it described as hostility toward its personnel.
The Israeli law, enacted in October, prohibits UNRWA operations on Israeli land, including annexed East Jerusalem, and any contact with Israeli authorities starting Thursday. Concerns over the new law were reiterated by Britain, France, and Germany on Friday, with humanitarian agencies warning of significant implications for devastated Gaza as staff and supplies transit through Israel to the Palestinian enclave.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s communications director, emphasized that services were being maintained, particularly in Gaza, where the agency plays a crucial role in the international humanitarian response by bringing in essential supplies and providing aid. She highlighted the potential risks to the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas if UNRWA’s operations in Gaza were disrupted.
In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees receive education, healthcare, and other services from UNRWA. Touma mentioned the challenges faced by Palestinian staff in these areas, including incidents of stone-throwing, delays at checkpoints, and protests at UNRWA sites, attributing these difficulties to “Israeli extremists.”
Israeli protesters defaced a UN sign outside one of its compounds by spray-painting a blue Star of David on it, as shared by Touma. International staff have departed after their visas expired, and the agency has called for investigations into the deaths of over 270 staff during the 15-month Gaza conflict.
The ceasefire agreement has facilitated an increase in humanitarian aid, leading to the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Prior to the deal, northern Gaza faced the threat of famine, but since its implementation, more than 32,000 tonnes of food have entered the region. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgent need for medical evacuations from Gaza and the opening of a medical corridor to prevent potential fatalities.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar affirmed Israel’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza through alternative international agencies and non-governmental organizations, emphasizing that humanitarian aid should not solely rely on UNRWA. Saar stated that Israel would comply with the law while continuing to support humanitarian efforts.
The situation remains tense as UNRWA continues its operations despite challenges and opposition, underscoring the critical need for sustained humanitarian support in the region.
