Israel bans UNRWA: The world reacts

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Israel’s new legislation bans the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, leading to widespread international backlash
• The ban restricts UNRWA’s humanitarian work, limits access to East Jerusalem, and restricts UNRWA staff permits, affecting services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

🔭 The context: Israel's relationship with UNRWA has been tense, especially since the October 2023 Hamas attack, which Israel claims involved UNRWA-affiliated personnel
• Several countries, including the U.K., Germany, and Turkey, have condemned the ban, citing risks to humanitarian aid and international law violations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: UNRWA’s work supports millions of Palestinian refugees in need of essential services, so blocking these operations may worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and affect regional stability
• Countries opposing the law argue that it sets a troubling precedent against multilateral aid efforts

⏭️ What's next: The U.S. and other countries have urged Israel to delay implementation, and the UN is advocating for international law compliance
• If the ban proceeds, it could impact the UN’s overall operations in conflict zones, sparking further international responses

💬 One quote: “The vote by the Israeli Parliament… is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent” — UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini

📈 One stat: UNRWA aids over 5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East

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