### Israel Bans UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees Amid Outcry

The Israeli parliament has enacted legislation to prohibit the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, escalating tensions with the UN. Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, decried the move as a significant intensification of Israel's ongoing "war" against the United Nations.

UNRWA, an organization that provides humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and neighboring countries, is now facing a potential operational shutdown in Israel. Mansour addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing that this latest legislation is part of a broader attack on the Palestinian people. He highlighted Israel's history of hostility towards the UN, noting incidents where UN staff and peacekeepers have been targeted.

The decision by Israel has drawn widespread condemnation. Several nations and human rights organizations have voiced their opposition, including Russia, China, Qatar, and various European countries. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini warned that the Israeli parliament's vote sets a "dangerous precedent" and is an attempt to undermine the agency's mission of supporting Palestinian refugees.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Danny Danon, Israel's representative at the UN, have long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of being redundant and fostering anti-Israeli sentiment. In contrast, UNRWA vehemently rejects these claims, asserting that their services are essential for Palestinian refugees. Netanyahu has previously lobbied for the United States, a key ally and major contributor to UNRWA, to withdraw its support.

Since the onset of Israel's military operations in Gaza last October, UNRWA has suffered substantial losses, with at least 223 staff members killed and significant damage inflicted on two-thirds of its facilities in Gaza. The situation has intensified humanitarian concerns, with calls from the global community for action against Israel's decision.

UN humanitarian office spokesperson Jens Laerke condemned the ban as a form of collective punishment against Gaza's inhabitants. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has indicated plans to raise the issue with the General Assembly, indicating potential sanctions against Israel.

At the UN Security Council meeting, Mansour implored the Council to take decisive action against what he described as Israeli violations. He urged members to move beyond verbal condemnation to tangible measures that ensure accountability and justice for Palestinians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in heavy casualties, with Palestinian authorities reporting the death of at least 115 individuals on a single day of bombardment.

The international community continues to watch closely as the situation unfolds, grappling with the ramifications of Israel's decision and its broader impact on Middle Eastern peace and stability.