Israeli Laws Targeting UNRWA: An Impending Crisis for Palestinian Refugees

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is facing a crisis after new Israeli laws effectively ban its operations in Israel. This move could create a vacuum in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, leading to greater instability and loss of essential services, including education and healthcare.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is under threat following Israel's newly passed legislation prohibiting its activities within its borders, as stated by the agency's head on Wednesday.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, highlighted the critical implications of these laws in an exclusive interview, warning they could devastate Gaza and the West Bank by removing a lifeline of education and healthcare services.

With over two million Palestinians relying on UNRWA, the absence of its aid could significantly destabilize the region, escalating humanitarian needs and endangering lives, amid ongoing security tensions with militant groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)