UNRWA Evacuates Staff to Jordan Amid Israeli Legislation Banning Its Operations

The international workforce of UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, has been forced to relocate to Jordan, as officially stated by its representatives. This move was prompted by new Israeli legislation, which prohibits the agency's operations on Israeli territory, including areas like East Jerusalem that Israel has annexed. The secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, along with the Security Council, have highlighted the importance of UNRWA in providing humanitarian support in the Gaza Strip, an area significantly affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli officials have voiced strong criticisms of UNRWA, accusing it of supporting terrorism and financially aiding its adversaries, allegations that the agency and the UN have denied. As a result of the new legislation adopted in October, UNRWA's operations have been severely curtailed, with all international staff visas shortened, which UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler stated effectively amounts to expulsion from their roles in Israel. The bans have also included orders to evacuate facilities in East Jerusalem, such as schools and healthcare centers, affecting a large number of people reliant on these services.

Juliette Toma, the communications director for UNRWA, condemned the restrictions as extreme and detrimental, marking a significant attack on the agency's long-standing operations, which have continued for 75 years. Despite these challenges, UNRWA remains steadfast in its mission to deliver essential services to those in need, although uncertainty surrounding these operations raises concerns about their sustainability.

The Israeli government contends that UNRWA is only responsible for a minimal fraction of humanitarian aid in Gaza, although the UN claims it provides a much larger portion. Allegations have arisen regarding the involvement of UNRWA staff in violent actions, including participation in attacks by Hamas, leading to calls for an investigation into these claims, even as UN officials assert that no substantial evidence has been presented by Israel.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's commissioner-general, has highlighted the agency's vital role during the ongoing crisis, stating that they have been pivotal in delivering food aid and medical services to the population amidst the conflict. Despite some support for the Israeli position, particularly from the US government, the UN maintains that there is no suitable alternative to the services provided by UNRWA, which caters to millions of Palestinians across various territories and regions. Israel, however, has dismissed the idea that it would be responsible for taking over the services left vacant by UNRWA's withdrawal.