What does UNRWA do and why has Israel banned it from West Bank, Gaza?
Al Jazeera
What are in the bills passed by Israel to ban the Palestinian refugee agency, and what services is it responsible for?
The Israeli Knesset has passed a bill banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and another that will likely scale back aid distribution across war-ravaged Gaza.
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) supports Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, as well as surrounding countries.
The Knesset passed the laws on Monday despite strong international condemnation.
So what are in the bills and what activities is UNRWA responsible for in the Palestinian territory?
One bill makes it illegal for Israeli officials to have any contact with UNRWA. The second prohibits UNRWA from conducting activities within Israel’s borders – a rule that will come into effect in three months.
