Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has expressed deep concerns following Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary organisation providing aid to Palestinians, from operating within Israeli territory.
This action, which has provoked condemnation from Western allies including Britain and the United States, follows the passage of two bills in Israel’s parliament aimed at curtailing UNRWA’s activities.
The first bill bans UNRWA entirely from Israeli territory, effectively closing its offices in East Jerusalem. The second will restrict its operations in Gaza and the West Bank by prohibiting Israeli state authorities from interacting with the agency.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long criticised UNRWA for alleged ties to Hamas, defended the decision, promising that humanitarian aid would still reach Palestinians.
However, he stressed that any agency staff involved in terror-related activities must be held accountable, pointing to reports suggesting potential links between some UNRWA employees and the October 7 attacks on Israel.
UNRWA, established in 1949 to support Palestinians displaced following the Arab-Israeli conflict, now receives over £1.12 billion annually from the UN.
It provides essential services, including food, healthcare, and education, to approximately 5.9 million Palestinians.
Israel, however, claims up to 10% of UNRWA’s staff may have ties to terrorist groups, a concern supported by a recent UN report indicating that nine agency employees “may have” been implicated in violent activities.
Despite these claims, UNRWA’s Western allies warn the decision could result in a severe humanitarian crisis. The United States has cautioned of a looming catastrophe, emphasising that essential aid for children and vulnerable populations is at risk.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, stressed the critical role of UNRWA, stating, “There’s nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis.”
Britain has joined these calls for Israel to reconsider. Sir Keir Starmer urged for “an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages” and stressed that Israel must “ensure sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza.”
Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has signalled that the UK may consider further restrictions on arms sales to Israel if the ban proceeds, calling the legislation “unacceptable.”
Further condemnation has emerged from numerous European governments, including Germany and France. UNICEF added that blocking UNRWA’s operations could have fatal consequences for Palestinian children who depend on its assistance.
Israel’s foreign ministry, however, maintains that the decision addresses a security issue, describing those with terrorist ties within UNRWA as “not just a few rotten apples but a rotten tree.”
UNRWA’s role in providing crucial services to Palestinian communities makes it “irreplaceable,” according to international officials, who have appealed for a 90-day pause on implementing the legislation to avoid humanitarian repercussions.
