Israel has announced it will sever all communication and cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), citing concerns about the agency’s impact on its security. The decision was announced by Israel’s envoy to the UN, Danny Danon, after longstanding accusations that the organization undermines Israel’s safety.
“Israel will terminate all collaboration, communication, and contact with UNRWA or anyone acting on its behalf,” Danon declared on Tuesday, speaking ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on the issue.
UNRWA, established in 1949, provides education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees in the Middle East.
However, Israel has repeatedly criticized the agency, accusing it of perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians and tolerating activities that allegedly threaten Israel’s security.
In recent years, calls to reform or disband UNRWA have grown louder, with critics arguing that its operations often overlap with political disputes in the region. Supporters of the agency counter that it plays a vital role in addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees.
Israel’s decision to cut ties with UNRWA marks a significant escalation in its longstanding grievances with the agency. By ceasing communication with UNRWA and its representatives, Israel is signaling a firm stance against what it views as a biased and problematic organization.
The move is likely to draw mixed reactions from the international community. While some may view it as a legitimate response to security concerns, others may see it as a step that could exacerbate tensions in the already fragile region.