Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz stated today, Saturday, that Israel will endeavor to prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in the Gaza Strip following the conclusion of the current war.
Katz’s statements follow Israel’s allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas against Israel.
In a post on the XN platform, Katz mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to ensure that “UNRWA does not become a part of the post-war phase.” He added that Israel would seek to gather support from the United States, the European Union, and other key donor parties to achieve this goal.
This development comes at a time when Hamas has condemned what it describes as “Israeli threats” targeting UNRWA. In a statement, Hamas urged the United Nations and international institutions not to succumb to the “threats and blackmail” of Israel.
The decision to potentially bar UNRWA’s activities in Gaza marks a significant shift in Israeli policy towards the agency, which has been providing essential services to Palestinian refugees for decades. The move has raised concerns among international communities and humanitarian groups about the potential impact on the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
As the war in Gaza draws to a close, the future role and presence of UNRWA in the region remain uncertain amid these escalating tensions and political maneuvering.
