**Israel Bans Operations of Palestinian Refugee Aid Agency, Citing Security Concerns**

Israel's parliament has voted to prohibit the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary humanitarian aid organization working in Gaza. A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated accusations that UNRWA employees are involved in terrorist activities. An investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services, which concluded in August, debunked some allegations while others lacked sufficient evidence. However, it was noted that nine employees might have been implicated in the Oct. 7 terror attack against Israel if the evidence is authenticated and corroborated. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that those individuals' contracts would be terminated.

Netanyahu's office emphasized the need for accountability among UNRWA personnel. "In the 90 days before this legislation goes into effect - and after - we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure that Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza in a manner that does not threaten Israel's security," the statement read. The move occurs just weeks after the Biden administration warned Israel that it might limit military aid unless humanitarian aid to Gaza is increased.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concerns about Israel's decision to ban UNRWA. Lazzarini criticized the vote on X, formerly known as Twitter, arguing it violated the U.N. charter and set a dangerous precedent. He accused the legislation of being tantamount to collective punishment, imperiling an entire generation of children. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to Palestinian refugees," Lazzarini wrote.

Established in 1949, UNRWA provides aid and protection to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Some Israeli critics argue that the agency perpetuates a false narrative that Palestinians are refugees, a point addressed by Lazzarini. He asserted that ending UNRWA's services would not alter the Palestinians' refugee status, which is protected by a U.N. General Assembly resolution until a lasting solution is found.

Israeli parliament member and co-author of the bill, Boaz Bismuth, stated that the agency's work has been "counterproductive" in the region. "If you really want stability, if you really want security, if you want real peace in the Middle East, organizations like UNRWA won't bring you there," Bismuth said.

Adding to the tensions, Netanyahu recently described the U.N. as an "antisemitic swamp" during an address at the General Assembly. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had been declared "persona non grata" by Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, and was banned from entering Israel.

Since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began its ground invasion into Lebanon, there have been accusations of attacks on the U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon, putting peacekeepers at risk. Netanyahu denied these charges, stating that Israel had warned peacekeepers to vacate their posts in southern Lebanon as the IDF deals with Hezbollah militants. However, the peacekeepers, mandated by U.N. Resolution 1701 to observe the hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, have refused to leave their positions.