Israel bans UNWRA which ‘will see’ millions including ‘children and babies’ without food and water – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) who are an agency for Palestinian refugees in Israel and Gaza provide humanitarian aid.

The Israeli government voted to ban UNWRA from operating inside Israel on Monday and have been given 90 days to leave.

The Knesset in Jerusalem have banned UNWRA from conducting “any activity” including providing babies and children water and food which risks a “catastrophe” for millions of Palestinian refugees.

The organisation provides healthcare and education including basic services such as food and water to millions of Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA’s chief Philippe Lazzarini warned Israels ban “will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza.”

He said Israels decision “opposes the UN Charter and violates the state of Israel’s obligations under international law.”

The BBC reported that Gaza has been going through “sheer hell,” Lazzarini added, “It ⁠will deprive over 650,000 girls and boys there from education, putting at risk an entire generation of children.”

On Tuesday Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said Israels decision to ban UNWRA is a clear violation of international law as they are also preventing Palestinians to return home.

“It is the legal and moral obligation of the international community to take a strong stance against attempts to ban UNRWA, which was established by a U.N. General Assembly resolution,” the ministry said.

“As the Chair of the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Türkiye will continue to provide political and financial support to the Agency,” they added.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday this “could have implications under US law.”

Miller said UNRWA offers “an irreplaceable role right now in Gaza where they’re on the front lines of getting humanitarian assistance to the people they need it. There’s nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis.”

“If UNRWA goes away, you will see civilians — including children, including babies — not be able to get access to food and water and medicine that they need to live. We find that unacceptable,” he added.

“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 next steps based on what happens in the days ahead.”