In a controversial move, the United States has backed Israel’s decision to cut all ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Israel has announced that it will sever all connections with the agency within 48 hours, prohibit Israeli officials from cooperating with it, and demand the closure of its offices in areas under Israeli control.
This decision follows recent allegations that Hamas used UNRWA facilities to hold hostages during the deadly October 7, 2023 attacks. The United States has supported these allegations and called for an independent investigation. The U.S. representative to the United Nations stated that claims of Hamas using UNRWA facilities, including schools and clinics in Gaza, must be thoroughly investigated.
Israel has also alleged that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attacks and suggested that other organizations could replace the agency in providing aid. This proposal has been opposed by the United Nations. However, previous investigations, including one led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, identified some issues with UNRWA’s neutrality but emphasized that Israel has not provided sufficient evidence to substantiate its main allegations.
Israel’s decision and the U.S. support for it have sparked widespread international reactions. Many countries and international organizations are concerned about the impact of this move on the humanitarian situation in areas under Israeli control. The United Nations has reiterated the importance of continuing UNRWA’s operations and warned that cutting off the agency’s aid could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As tensions in the region persist, the future of international aid efforts for Palestinians remains uncertain. These developments could have profound implications for diplomatic relations and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.
