On January 24, 2025, Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, delivered a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres, declaring that UNRWA must vacate all premises in Jerusalem by January 30. This directive follows recently enacted legislation by the Israeli Parliament, prohibiting the agency’s activities within Israeli borders. UNRWA has been a vital support system for approximately two million Palestinians throughout the 15-month conflict in Gaza, which intensified after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023.
Israel Orders UNRWA to Cease Operations in East Jerusalem
Israel Orders UNRWA to Cease Operations in East Jerusalem
In a significant move, Israel has instructed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to terminate its operations in East Jerusalem within six days, raising concerns over humanitarian aid accessibility amidst ongoing conflict.
Despite the Israeli government's stance that UNRWA has been compromised by Hamas, multiple U.N. investigations refuted these claims, reporting that only a fraction of its nearly 13,000 employees were linked to the group, with those implicated having been dismissed. The agency has faced severe repercussions, including the loss of 269 staff members' lives in Gaza, marking the highest fatality rate among U.N. personnel in any conflict.
This ultimatum has elicited concerns regarding further humanitarian crises and the impact on Palestinian civilians, who rely heavily on UNRWA’s assistance for food, healthcare, and education.
This ultimatum has elicited concerns regarding further humanitarian crises and the impact on Palestinian civilians, who rely heavily on UNRWA’s assistance for food, healthcare, and education.
