UNRWA Issues Urgent Warning Over Severe Food Crisis In Gaza

Web Desk — The UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has issued an urgent warning about an impending Israeli ban that could severely hinder its ability to provide critical services to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, according to Anadolu reports.

UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told Ireland’s RTE on Friday that time is running out, as the ban, stemming from a decision made by the Israeli Parliament in October, is expected to take effect by the end of January.

“The clock is ticking for a potential ban on UNRWA’s ability to deliver vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees,” Touma said, emphasizing that the UN has no plans to step in for the agency in the occupied territories.

“What needs to happen is for the Israeli parliament to revoke its decision,” she added.

Touma noted that this would be an unprecedented move in UN history. “It has never occurred before that a UN member state has decided to ban a UN agency from operating in the middle of a conflict,” she explained.

The Israeli Knesset voted in October to ban UNRWA’s operations in areas under Israeli control, citing allegations that some of the agency’s employees were involved in attacks on October 7, 2023—an accusation that the agency denies.

If the ban is enforced, it would result in the closure of UNRWA offices and the freezing of its financial accounts in Israel, effectively halting its operations.

Founded in the aftermath of the 1948 Nakba (Catastrophe), UNRWA has served as a vital lifeline for Palestinian refugees, currently assisting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza began in October 2023, over 45,700 people—mostly women and children—have died, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Additionally, Israel is facing a case of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its ongoing actions in Gaza.