In a decisive move, the Israeli Knesset voted on Monday to classify the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organisation.
This decision came during a preliminary vote on a legislative proposal aimed at officially designating the agency as such.
The Israeli government has alleged that certain employees of UNRWA were involved in the recent “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” attack.
However, these claims have been made without presenting substantial evidence to support them.
UNRWA, established in 1949, provides vital aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
The agency has been a focal point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with criticisms and support often reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
The Knesset’s move has sparked significant debate, both domestically and internationally.
Critics argue that the decision undermines humanitarian efforts and complicates the broader peace process, while supporters claim it is a necessary step in addressing what they view as the agency’s problematic affiliations.
The classification of UNRWA as a terrorist organization by the Israeli legislature marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories, further complicating the humanitarian landscape and international diplomacy surrounding the issue.