The United Nations Security Council issued a stern warning Wednesday against Israel’s latest move to ban the activities of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. The Council’s resolution adopted unanimously expressed “deep concern” at legislation recently passed by Israel’s parliament that bars activities by UNRWA. It takes effect in 90 days and has drawn blistering international condemnation.

Security Council Condemns Israeli Ban

The UN Security Council condemned the action and requested the state of Israel to honor its international obligations, particularly to respect the mandate as well as the immunity that UNRWA possesses. The council further pointed out that Israel is legally bound to allow and even facilitate quick, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian supply across Gaza. The Banning of UNRWA violates international law contrary to the U.N Charter provision and a convention by 1946 that affirms diplomatic privileges and immunities offered to the UN agencies, according to U.N Secretary-General António Guterres.

UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini sounded a warning that the law threatens to dismantle core services from being offered by the agency in Gaza and the West Bank, with an aid collapse hitting millions of Palestinians.

UNRWA in Humanitarian Assistance

According to a report by the UNRWA, the agency plays an essential role in Gaza, and no agency could replace the same measure of support.

The Israeli decision seems to time itself with a drastic diminution of aid coming to Gaza as many humanitarian organizations lately report that ever more blockages match the burgeoning needs.

Israel, UNRWA, and Claims on Militant Ties

For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known by the acronym UNRWA, has conflicted with Israel. Still, renewed animosity was stoked by a new wave of this conflict involving Hamas in Gaza. Israel has accused at least some of UNRWA’s employees of being linked to Hamas. UNRWA has recently confirmed in a few cases during this year, including dismissing nine employees who were reportedly implicated in the October 7 attack on Israel.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry countered that it is committed to international law and to humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza through nongovernmental organizations that are not linked to militants. Israel further claimed that it feels that Hamas has hijacked the relief effort for Palestinian civilians, which Hamas has consistently denied.

Current Impacts of Access Cuts

Since Israel’s last military operation in the north of Gaza, relief access has been restricted to some degree. Aid groups and international monitors sound the alarm over an impending humanitarian crisis. The US also voiced its concern: it will watch closely for evidence that Israeli actions open necessary humanitarian access without collective punishment.

This leaves UNRWA supporting an estimated number of Palestinians within those areas: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Most of this population is highly dependent upon UNRWA for its health care, education, and general well-being. Those recent limits caused international concern about bestowing these needs on them.