Israel’s ban of UNRWA comes into force after three month implementation period – another missed opportunity for UK government
30th January 2025- Israel’s ban of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has today come into force, with the East Jerusalem Headquarters being forced to close.
The ban comes into force following the three-month implementation period, after the 30 October 2024 decision by the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) to ban UNRWA. Israel’s action opposes the UN Charter and violates its obligations under international law. It represents a missed opportunity for the UK government to use sanctions to put pressure on Israel to uphold its international obligations.
This action is not in the least bit surprising, in many ways, it is a logical next step in Israel’s systematic disruption of aid provision that has not just been a product of its genocidal campaign against Palestinians, but rather, a fundamental tool in carrying out the genocide. Now, the ban comes at a critical time when humanitarian aid is only just beginning to enter Gaza. This move will hinder efforts to alleviate some of the malnutrition and starvation that Palestinians have been suffering from due to Israel’s genocide.
The UK could have used sanctions in a preventative manner, but must now pursue them in a punitive manner, implementing comprehensive economic and diplomatic sanctions on senior Israeli government officials for their role in institutionalising this ban. A UK government statement on 28 January 2025 acknowledged the disruptive impact of Israel’s UNRWA legislation but failed to elaborate beyond rhetoric of “urging” Israel to ensure that UNRWA can continue its work. Such rhetoric is insufficient – sanctions must be pursued.
It is also crucial to acknowledge the large swathes of support for this bill in the Knesset beyond the government. Whilst criticism of Netanyahu and extremist ministers such as Ben Gvir and Smotrich is valid and important, this focus cannot detract from the institutional manner in which this rogue state is acting. It is beyond concerning that such an egregious bill gained widespread support in the Knesset, with 90 KMs voting in favour of it, compared to only 10 voting against, and only 20 abstentions. Such widespread support for this bill from so many different parties across the Israeli Knesset is emblematic of its status as a rogue state.
This move is the latest in Israel’s ongoing campaign to ‘discredit and delegitimise’ the organisation, as described by Head of UNRWA Philipe Lazzarini. In 2024, Israel proliferated baseless, unsubstantiated claims against UNRWA, alleging that its staff were associated with Hamas; a smear that was wholly discredited following the release of the independent UN-commissioned Colonna Report in April 2024.
The suspension of UNRWA funding by Western countries, including the United Kingdom, was rash and unwarranted, considering the lack of evidence to back up the smears. It is relieving that UNRWA funding was restored in July 2024, but this latest assault on UNRWA must be met with concrete actions as well as condemning rhetoric. Israel must be recognised for what it is – a rogue state with no regard for international institutions or crucial UN humanitarian organisations. No other state would be permitted to pass such legislation without facing sanctions and being made a pariah.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- FCDO. (28th January 2025) New humanitarian support for Gaza as ceasefire allows operations to scale up.
- For more information or to arrange an interview with an ICJP spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com.
Image: ISM Palestine via Flickr