In a significant move, Israel's parliament passed a law on Monday that bans the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating within its borders. This decision has raised alarms among Israel's Western allies, who worry it could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israeli officials justified the ban by citing the involvement of a few UNRWA staff members in the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, \"UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.\"
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, condemned the decision, arguing that the vote opposes the UN charter and violates international law. He emphasized, \"This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees,\" on social media platform X.
Simultaneously, Israeli tanks advanced deeper into northern Gaza, leading to the trapping of approximately 100,000 civilians, according to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service. This military operation aims to eliminate regrouping Hamas militants, though UN and Palestinian sources have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact.
The Israeli military reported capturing around 100 suspected militants during a raid on a hospital in the Jabalia camp. However, Hamas and medical personnel have denied the presence of militants at the hospital premises.
The Gaza Strip's health ministry reported at least 19 fatalities resulting from Israeli airstrikes and bombardments on Monday. Additionally, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service highlighted that around 100,000 residents are stranded in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun without access to essential medical care or food supplies. Reuters has yet to independently verify these figures.
Operations by the Palestinian emergency services have come to a standstill due to the three-week Israeli assault in northern Gaza, where Israel previously declared the elimination of Hamas combat forces earlier in the prolonged conflict.
Ceasefire Efforts Underway
Amid the escalating violence, ceasefire negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have resumed after several unsuccessful attempts. Egypt's president has proposed a two-day truce to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions within 10 days to establish a permanent ceasefire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that mediators would continue talks in the coming days \"in a continued attempt to advance a deal.\" However, Israel has maintained that the war will persist until Hamas is eradicated, while Hamas has declared it will not cease fighting until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
The conflict's ripple effects have ignited broader tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns over global oil supplies. Israel has expanded its military actions to Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, resulting in at least 16 deaths in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek region.
In a rare escalation, direct clashes have occurred between Israel and Iran. Israeli warplanes targeted Iranian missile production sites over the weekend in retaliation for an October 1 missile attack on Israel. Iran's Foreign Ministry responded by stating that Tehran would \"use all available tools\" to retaliate.
Reference(s):
Israel bans UN aid agency, Palestinians say 100,000 residents trapped
cgtn.com
