Israel Bans UNRWA Operations, Sparking Concern Among Allies

Israel-(Special Correspondent): Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday prohibiting the United Nations relief agency, UNRWA, from operating within Israel, a move that has concerned some Western allies who worry it could further worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Israeli officials justified the ban by citing the involvement of several UNRWA staff members in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, as well as links between some employees and Hamas or other militant groups.

“UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable,” stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, argued that the decision violates the U.N. charter and international law. He shared on social media that this development is “the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role in providing human-development assistance to Palestine refugees.”

This legislative move coincided with Israel’s deeper incursion into northern Gaza on Monday, where, according to Palestinian emergency services, about 100,000 civilians are trapped. Israel’s military explained that its actions are aimed at neutralizing Hamas militants regrouping in the area.

The Israeli army also reported capturing around 100 suspected militants in a raid on a hospital in the Jabalia camp, a claim denied by Hamas and medical officials.

The Gaza health ministry reported at least 19 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes and shelling on Monday.

Palestinian Civil Emergency Services said that around 100,000 residents in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun were left stranded without food or medical assistance due to the ongoing Israeli offensive. Reuters could not independently confirm the figures.

Ceasefire Negotiations

U.S.-led negotiations with Egypt and Qatar resumed Sunday, with the aim of brokering a ceasefire after several unsuccessful attempts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed a temporary two-day truce to enable the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees, with a subsequent plan to negotiate a permanent ceasefire within ten days.

Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that negotiations would resume in the coming days, with mediators seeking to advance the discussions. Israel has consistently stated that it will continue its campaign until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas maintains that it will fight until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.

Gaza’s conflict has fueled tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns about oil supply stability. In response to Iran-backed Hezbollah’s attacks, Israel has launched strikes into Lebanon and deployed troops into southern Lebanon.

On Monday, Israel’s airstrikes on Baalbek in eastern Lebanon reportedly resulted in 16 deaths, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Israel and Iran have engaged in direct clashes, with Israel targeting Iranian missile facilities following an Oct. 1 missile strike on Israel. Iran responded that it would “use all available tools” to retaliate.

Escalating Attacks in Lebanon

Israel also intensified its assaults on Lebanon, including a pre-dawn airstrike on Tyre’s southern port district, leaving seven dead, the Lebanese health ministry reported. Israeli forces later issued an evacuation order for much of Tyre, including areas near hotels often used by journalists.

Israel’s call for evacuations has led to ghost towns in southern Lebanon, while continuous airstrikes have devastated many towns. Hezbollah has conducted strikes on Israeli troops in Lebanese territory and against military targets in Israel.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Northern Gaza

Hospitals in northern Gaza, which have refused to evacuate as instructed by Israel, are operating with severely limited resources. At least two hospitals sustained damage, and supplies of food, medical supplies, and fuel have been exhausted, resulting in the deaths of one doctor, a nurse, and two children.

Gaza residents report that Israeli forces are surrounding shelters housing displaced people, forcing families to leave and detaining men. Some fear permanent displacement, preferring to stay within Gaza City rather than fleeing south.

The Israeli army says it adheres to international law and accuses militants of using hospitals and schools as bases, claims that Hamas denies.

The death toll in Gaza from Israel’s air and ground offensive following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack has reached 43,020, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Meanwhile, Israel continues to face attacks from Hamas-led militants despite intense bombing that has leveled much of northern Gaza.

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