The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) plans to fully suspend its operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the New York Times reported today (Friday).
The report indicates that the agency's decision comes in response to legislation passed by the Knesset in October. UN officials indicated they are preparing to terminate operations in both territories primarily because the new laws will prevent Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA. The agency emphasizes that coordination with the Israel Defense Forces is essential whenever its personnel deliver aid or traverse areas throughout Gaza and sections of the West Bank.
"Without the ability to share this information with Israeli authorities on a daily basis our teams would face severe security risks," Louise Wateridge, a senior UNRWA official in Gaza, said. She noted that the Gaza war has already claimed the lives of more than 250 UNRWA workers.
"The impact on an already catastrophic situation will be devastating," Jamie McGoldrick, who served as head of the UN humanitarian operation across Gaza and the West Bank until April, said. "If the Israeli intention is to eliminate our capacity to save lives, we must question the reasoning behind this and its ultimate objective," the senior official pondered.
