LAGATAR24 DESK
Washington: The United States has expressed “deep concern” following Israel’s parliamentary approval of a bill banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. The legislation was passed by a 92-10 vote, amidst long-standing Israeli criticism of the agency, which escalated following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that intensified conflict in Gaza.
“We have made quite clear to the government of Israel that we are deeply concerned by this,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, underscoring the “critical” role UNRWA plays in delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Miller continued, “We continue to urge the government of Israel to pause the implementation of this legislation. We urge them not to pass it at all, and we will consider the next steps based on what happens in the days ahead.”
Miller noted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the issue during a recent visit to the region. Washington’s concerns over Israel’s stance on UNRWA are tied to accusations that some agency employees were involved in the October Hamas attacks. Following these allegations, the United States suspended its financial contributions to the UNRWA and called for a full investigation. Subsequently, Congress has prohibited any resumption of US aid to the agency.
However, the US government maintains that UNRWA’s role in delivering aid in Gaza and supporting Palestinian communities across the West Bank and the region remains irreplaceable. “They are on the front lines, getting humanitarian assistance to the people that need it. There’s nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis,” Miller emphasized.
The US disapproval of Israel’s bill comes amid growing calls from Washington for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into northern Gaza, now heavily affected by the ongoing conflict. The US government has also warned that military aid to Israel could face restrictions if it does not take further steps to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
