Israeli parliament passes law banning UNRWA from operating in Israel, limiting it in Gaza and West Bank

The Israeli Knesset passed a law banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. Supported by 92 of the 120 Knesset members, the legislation prohibits UNRWA from establishing offices, providing services, or engaging in activities within Israeli territory, either directly or indirectly, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported.

“As it is proven that UNRWA and its employees participate and are involved in terrorist activity against Israel, it is proposed to establish that Israel will act to stop all activities of the agency in its territory,” the explanatory notes to the law read.

The move has drawn criticism from the United States and several European nations, reflecting concerns about the agency’s role in supporting Palestinian refugees. The legislation cites alleged links between UNRWA employees and terrorist activities targeting Israel as justification for the ban. The law represents a significant step in Israel’s ongoing dispute with the agency, which was established to support Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.