In a move that could significantly impact the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel’s parliament passed legislation late Monday to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision restricts UNRWA’s ability to operate within Israeli-controlled territories, effectively barring it from coordinating with Israeli authorities, including the military, to deliver humanitarian aid in the region.

UNRWA’s Limited Operations Amid Intensifying Conflict

UNRWA has been central to the humanitarian response in Gaza, providing aid and support for Palestinian refugees. However, the new laws will halt the agency’s operations within Israeli territory. Israeli authorities will no longer coordinate entry permits for UNRWA’s staff and supplies into Gaza and the West Bank, and the agency will be unable to rely on the Israeli military for safe passage in Gaza.

The Israeli government has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of bias and alleging that members of Hamas, which Israel designates as a terrorist organization, are on the agency’s staff. As tensions rise in the region, these restrictions could strain the flow of humanitarian aid during a period when support is critically needed.

Impact on Aid Delivery and Transition Period

The law includes a 90-day transition period before taking full effect, leaving UNRWA a brief window to adjust its operations. During this period, UNRWA will need to find alternative ways to deliver aid, potentially slowing down the aid distribution process. Although the practical impact on aid delivery remains to be determined, some UNRWA functions may continue through collaborations with other UN agencies. However, the restrictions create logistical hurdles for rapid aid distribution.

Hezbollah Leadership Change in Lebanon

In related developments, Lebanon’s Hezbollah announced a leadership change following the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in September. Naim Qassem, Nasrallah’s deputy, was named the new secretary-general. This shift in Hezbollah’s leadership signals a continuation of the group’s stance toward Israel, with heightened tensions across the region, particularly in the context of the recent Gaza crisis and Israel’s decision to cut ties with UNRWA.

As both Israel and neighboring entities brace for further developments, the restriction of UNRWA’s access is expected to draw international attention. It could add new layers to the region’s complex humanitarian challenges, including potential shortages of essential supplies and increased difficulties in reaching vulnerable populations.