Israel’s lawmakers have passed legislation that could potentially jeopardize aid distribution in Gaza by banning the main U.N. agency providing assistance, UNRWA, from operating on Israeli soil. The bill, which passed 92-10, has been condemned by the UNRWA, which warned that it could collapse the fragile aid distribution process in Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is worsening.
The legislation, which won’t take immediate effect, comes at a critical time when Gaza is facing widespread shortages of food, water, and medicine. The vote followed a heated debate between supporters and opponents of the law, with Arab parliamentary parties mainly opposing it.
A second bill that was also voted on Monday aims to sever diplomatic ties with UNRWA, marking a new low in relations between Israel and the agency. Israel has accused UNRWA of having close ties with Hamas militants, further complicating the situation.
The potential consequences of these bills are alarming, as they could severely impact the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes. The bills would not only harm the agency but also the Palestinians who rely on its support during times of crisis.
With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening and pressure mounting on Israel to increase aid, the passing of these bills highlights the delicate balance between politics and humanitarian aid in the region. It remains to be seen how these new laws will impact the already dire situation in Gaza.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com