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Israel's legislative body, the Knesset, is poised to vote on two significant bills that aim to cease the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) within the next 90 days. The move comes despite warnings from key international allies and potential repercussions from the United Nations. A decisive vote is scheduled for Monday, with sources in the Prime Minister's Office indicating that the bills are expected to pass.

Foreign ministers from countries including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have voiced "grave concern" over the impending shutdown, especially given the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza exacerbated by ongoing conflict. They emphasized the crucial role of UNRWA and other UN agencies in providing essential aid and services.

The United States has also weighed in, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscoring the importance of UNRWA's continued operation in discussions with Israeli officials. The Biden administration has even hinted at the possibility of restricting military assistance to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unless measures are taken to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Proponents of the bills, such as MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), argue that UNRWA has become deeply entangled with Hamas, compromising its ability to act as a neutral humanitarian entity. Israeli authorities have accused UNRWA employees of participating in the capture of captives during the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023. As a result, proponents believe that shutting down UNRWA is essential to ending its alleged role in perpetuating terror.

The proposed legislation includes one bill that would halt all UNRWA operations in Israel, and a second that would annul the treaty permitting UNRWA's presence, stipulate a three-month window for cessation, and maintain ongoing criminal investigations into UNRWA employees' involvement in terrorism. Although opposition party Yesh Atid has yet to determine its stance, broad support from both the opposition and coalition suggests strong parliamentary backing.

UNRWA, for its part, has condemned the pending vote as "unprecedented and dangerous," arguing that it violates international law and disrupts critical humanitarian support for millions of Palestinian refugees. The agency warns that the shutdown would severely impact the delivery of food, shelter, and healthcare in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The outcome of Monday's vote could set a significant precedent, reflecting a deep divide between Israel and international entities over the future of humanitarian aid in the region.