Israel passed a law on Monday banning the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA from operating in the country, legislation that could impact its work in war-torn Gaza.
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The lawmakers who drafted the law cited the involvement of some UNRWA workers in the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and for staff having membership in Hamas and other armed groups.
The legislation has alarmed the United Nations and some of Israel’s Western allies who fear it would further worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has been fighting Hamas militants for a year.
The ban does not refer to operations in the Palestinian territories or elsewhere.
“UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable. Since avoiding a humanitarian crisis is also essential, sustained humanitarian aid must remain available in Gaza now and in the future,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media after the vote.
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