In a move that reflects the intensifying geopolitical landscape, the Israeli Knesset is preparing to advance three groundbreaking bills aimed at cutting all ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA). These measures are driven by serious allegations that certain UNWRA members have direct connections to Hamas’s armed wing and were involved in the harrowing October 7 Hamas massacre.
Response to Grave Allegations
The allegations fueling these legislative initiatives are grave: claims that some UNWRA personnel were not only affiliated with Hamas’s military wing but also actively participated in the deadly attacks on October 7. Furthermore, accusations have surfaced suggesting that Hamas has been utilizing UNWRA’s infrastructure in Gaza for its operations, compounding the urgency of the proposed bills.
Details of the Proposed Bills1. Prohibition of UNWRA Operations in Israel
The first bill, put forth by five Members of the Knesset (MKs) from the Likud party and one from Shas, unequivocally states that UNWRA shall be prohibited from operating any institution, providing any service, or conducting any activity within Israel’s borders, whether directly or indirectly.
IDF troops conducted intelligence-based searches in the @UNRWA headquarters, a building in a civilian neighborhood where a Hamas terrorist barricaded himself and multi-story buildings in the Gaza City area.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 20, 2024
The troops located: weapons, ammunition, equipment of Hamas’ naval… pic.twitter.com/qLcMdSSlaa
2. Revocation of Immunity for UNWRA Workers
The second bill, championed by six MKs from Yesh Atid, two from Likud, and one from National Unity, aims to strip UNWRA workers of the immunity and special rights typically afforded to UN employees in Israel. This includes immunity from prosecution and certain tax benefits, effectively placing UNWRA staff under the full scope of Israeli law.
3. Designation of UNWRA as a Terror Organization
The most severe of the three, proposed by six MKs from Yisrael Beytenu, seeks to formally designate UNWRA as a terrorist organization. This bill, if passed, would sever all ties between Israel and the agency, marking a significant shift in Israel’s stance towards international humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
Does UNRWA's Philippe Lazzarini care about Palestinian kids and their schools?
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) July 16, 2024
Only if he can blame Israel.
In 2023, when Palestinian Islamists took over 8 UNRWA schools in Lebanon and destroyed the Ein el Hilweh camp, he was silent. Not one tweet. Lazzarini couldn't care less. https://t.co/tcGCCgh6vz pic.twitter.com/uQXokDGw1B
Legislative Blitz in Knesset
These bills are expected to pass their first reading in the Knesset plenum on Monday. They will then proceed to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further preparation before their second and third readings. This legislative push is part of a broader, high-intensity legislative blitz designed to expedite critical bills ahead of the conclusion of the Knesset’s summer session on Sunday. The Knesset will be engaging in prolonged sessions throughout the week to ensure the swift passage of these pivotal measures.
Implications for Israel-UN Relations
The advancement of these bills signals a decisive move by Israel to reassert control over its security and sovereignty, particularly in light of mounting evidence of terrorist exploitation of international aid mechanisms. The designation of UNWRA as a terrorist organization, in particular, is likely to reverberate across international diplomatic circles, potentially reshaping the dynamics of Israel-UN relations.
Dr. Einat Wilf in a Knesset committee: "UNRWA was actually kidnapped, beginning in the 1960s, by the Arab refugees themselves in order to become a Palestinian organization for their benefit" pic.twitter.com/zcJ7rx72n5
— Im Tirtzu (@IMTIzionism) January 11, 2024
Conclusion
As the Knesset prepares for an intensive week of legislative activity, the proposed bills to cut ties with UNWRA reflect a broader strategy to fortify Israel’s national security and address the complex challenges posed by terrorist affiliations within international organizations. The outcome of these legislative efforts will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as Israel navigates the intricate balance between humanitarian engagement and security imperatives.
