The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has been at the center of controversy as the Israeli parliament moves to shut down its operations in the country. But what exactly does UNRWA do and why is Israel taking such drastic measures?
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the Arab-Israeli conflict. The agency operates in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services to over 5.6 million registered refugees.
Israel has long criticized UNRWA, claiming that the agency perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue by allowing descendants of refugees to inherit their refugee status. The Israeli government also alleges that UNRWA has ties to terrorist organizations and promotes anti-Israeli sentiment in its schools.
In response to these concerns, the Israeli parliament passed a bill on Monday to ban UNRWA from operating within its borders. The move has been met with condemnation from Palestinians and the international community, with critics arguing that the decision will only worsen the already dire humanitarian situation facing Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA has vowed to continue its work despite the ban, stating that it will seek alternative ways to deliver services to Palestinian refugees in Israel. The agency has called on the international community to support its efforts and uphold the rights of Palestinian refugees.
As the situation continues to unfold, the future of UNRWA and the Palestinian refugee population remains uncertain. With tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories already running high, the closure of UNRWA could further exacerbate the conflict and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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Video “What does UNRWA do and why does Israel want to shut it down? • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/29/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English