Israel's Bold Move Against UNRWA: What's Really Going On?

Israel has taken a strong step against the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees.

• Destroyed two UNRWA buildings in East Jerusalem:
• An office in Sheikh Jarrah
• A school in Qalandia

This is part of a bigger plan to stop UNRWA from working in areas Israel controls.

UNRWA's Response

Roland Friedrich, UNRWA's leader in the West Bank, said:

"This is not new. Israel has been planning this for two years. It breaks international laws that protect UN buildings."

• The school in Qalandia teaches young refugees skills like technology and welding.
• More than 300 students attend the school.
• Israeli forces used tear gas at the school.

Israel's Justification

Israel claims:

• They acted due to a new law banning UNRWA.
• They own the land in question.

UNRWA's counter-argument:

• This is wrong and hurts their work.
• Israel has long accused UNRWA of supporting groups like Hamas, which the UN denies.

UNRWA's Impact

• Helps 2.5 million refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
• Helps 3 million more in other countries.

Background

• Last year, Israel passed a law to stop UNRWA from working there.
• Since then, UNRWA schools and health centers have been closed or raided.
• Israel claims UNRWA keeps Palestinians as refugees.
• Supporters say Israel is trying to ignore the refugee issue, one of the biggest problems between Israelis and Palestinians.

Global Reactions

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's leader, warned:

"This is a warning. Israel might do the same to other groups."

• The US stopped funding UNRWA under Trump but resumed under Biden. Now, they have paused funding again.
• Israel is also stopping other aid groups, accusing them of supporting boycotts against Israel.
• Groups like Doctors Without Borders say this will hurt people who need help.