Israel’s parliament voted to ban the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, citing accusations of employee involvement in terrorist activities. The U.N. found some allegations unsubstantiated and terminated contracts for nine employees linked to a recent attack against Israel. The U.S. expressed concerns about the ban, warning of potential restrictions on military aid if humanitarian assistance in Gaza is not increased. UNRWA Commissioner-General criticized the legislation, calling it collective punishment and placing children at risk. The ban has sparked international condemnation, with several countries expressing concerns about the impact on aid delivery to Palestinian refugees. Israeli officials defend the ban, claiming UNRWA’s work has been counterproductive in the region. Netanyahu has previously accused the U.N. of antisemitism and banned the Secretary-General from entering Israel. IDF soldiers have been accused of attacking U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, further straining relations with the international community. Overall, the ban on UNRWA’s operations has escalated tensions between Israel and the U.N., raising concerns about the impact on humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees in the region.
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