Taoiseach 'strongly condemns' Israeli bill banning UN aid agency ...

It followed an earlier Bill passed banning all activity of UNRWA on Israeli soil.

The legislation, which will not take effect immediately, risks collapsing the already fragile aid distribution process at a moment when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening and Israel is under increased US pressure to ramp up aid.

On Monday night, Taoiseach Simon Harris has strongly condemned the move saying that it breaches Israel's obligations in international law.

"If implemented, it will make it impossible for UNRWA to carry out its vital role across the region, including bringing humanitarian assistance to people in desperate need," said Mr Harris.

"UNRWA saves lives. If it cannot carry out its mission, people will die."

He said that UNRWA is given a mandate by the United Nations and as such all member states should join in condemning the legislation and call on Israel to repeal it immediately.

Mr Harris also suggested member states redouble their support to UNRWA and the Palestinian people.

A statement on behalf of the government of Ireland along with Norway, Slovenia and Spain also criticised the legislation.

"The work of the Agency is essential and irreplaceable for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, and particularly in the current context in Gaza," it said.

"The legislation approved by the Knesset sets a very serious precedent for the work of the United Nations and for all organizations of the multilateral system."

All four countries committed to continuing to work with donor and host countries to ensure the viability of UNRWA's work and its humanitarian role.

'Outrageous Move'

The CEO of ActionAid Ireland called the ban on UNRWA's work a reckless attack on humanitarian aid that will cost countless lives.

"This outrageous move by the Israeli Government will dismantle the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, cutting off a vital lifeline for millions of Palestinians for whom life has become a living hell," said Karol Balfe.

The first vote passed 92-10 and followed a fiery debate between supporters of the law and its opponents, mostly members of Arab parliamentary parties. The second law was approved 87-9.

Taken together, these Bills signal a new low in relations between Israel and UNRWA, which Israel accuses of maintaining close ties with Hamas militants.

The changes are also a serious blow to the agency and to Palestinians in Gaza who have become reliant upon it for aid throughout more than a year of war.

The Bills risk severely affecting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

More than 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes and Gaza faces widespread shortages of food, water and medicine.

International aid groups and a handful of Israel’s western allies, including the US, have voiced strong opposition.

'Deeply concerned'

US state department spokesman Matthew Miller, speaking to reporters in Washington, said the administration was “deeply concerned” by the legislation.

“There’s nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis,” he said.

UNRWA provides education, health care and other basic services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region, including in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Bills would come into effect 60 to 90 days after Israel’s foreign ministry notifies the UN, according to the spokesman for politician Dan Illouz, one of the co-sponsors of one of the Bills.

“UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza. Who can do its job?” said Juliette Touma, communications director for the agency.

But Boaz Bismuth, who co-sponsored one of the Bills, said: “The law that we passed now is not just another Bill. It is a call for justice and a wake up call.

“UNRWA is not an aid agency for refugees. It is an aid agency for Hamas.” The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said the new laws were part of an “ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA”.

“These Bills will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza,” he said on the social platform X, formerly Twitter.

An English language account on X for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was ready to work with international partners to ensure it “continues to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza”.

The post did not say how, and it was not clear how the flow of aid would be affected once these Bills take effect.