Israel parliament passes bill that could cut off UNRWA Gaza aid

Israel’s parliament has voted overwhelmingly to pass a law that will severely hamper the UN’s ability to provide Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank with food, water, healthcare and education.

UNRWA – the UN agency which supports Palestinian refugees – forms the backbone of humanitarian operations in the occupied territories, but Israel claims that 10% of its workers have ties to Hamas.

The bill will prevent UNRWA staff and aid from transiting Israel.