UNRWA Ban in Israel Sparks Global Backlash

Israel's parliament has banned UNRWA, the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, from operating in the country. The decision has sparked international criticism and raised legal concerns. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that implementing the ban would violate international law and the founding U.N. Charter.

Israel's recent decision to ban the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in the country has been met with widespread international outcry. The ban, set to take effect within 90 days, has raised significant questions regarding its legality under international law.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized the move, stating that it contravenes the U.N. Charter and international law. He urged Israel to allow UNRWA to continue fulfilling its humanitarian mandate, which has been crucial for Palestinian refugees since 1949.

As tensions rise, Norway has announced plans to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on whether Israel's actions violate international law. Such an opinion, while not legally binding, could hold substantial political and legal significance.

(With inputs from agencies.)