Israel Cancels Agreement with UNRWA, Escalating Tensions in Gaza
Jerusalem, November 5, 2024 – In a move thatfurther escalates tensions in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that it has officially notified the United Nations of itsdecision to cancel a 1967 agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
This decision follows the recent passage of a law prohibiting UNRWA from operating within Israel, which is set to take effect at the end of January 2025. The law has been widely criticized by international organizations and human rights groups, who argue that it will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and undermine UNRWA’s crucial role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that UN lawyers are currently reviewing the Israeli letterand reiterated that UNRWA remains operational. There is no alternative to UNRWA, he emphasized.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed concern over the impact of the Israeli decision on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He reported that Israel has reduced the number of aid trucks entering the besieged territoryto an average of 30 per day, the lowest level in years. This represents only 6% of the pre-conflict commercial and aid supplies entering Gaza, falling far short of the needs of the estimated 2 million inhabitants.
Israeli data confirms that the amount of aid allowed into Gaza in October 2024 was the lowest since October 2023.
Meanwhile, the US State Department revealed that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday. Blinken reportedly expressed concern that Hamas had rejected an Egyptian proposal for a short-term ceasefire during the recent negotiations.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Egypt proposed a 48-hour ceasefire followed by a 10-day period during which Hamas would release four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 100 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides would then negotiate a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas insisted on a short-term agreementthat included guarantees for a long-term agreement, a condition Israel did not agree to.
Haaretz reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded specific concessions from Egypt, including Israeli military presence in the Philadelphia Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border and the Nitzarim Corridor in central Gaza.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu is prepared to offer millions of dollars for the release of each Israeli hostage held by Hamas. He also reportedly promised safe passage for Hamas members and their families who would be involved in the release of the hostages.
In a separate development, Al Jazeera reported thatIsrael launched airstrikes on multiple locations in Gaza before dawn on Monday, resulting in at least 33 deaths.
On Sunday, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that at least 16 people had been killed and over 90 injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the past 24 hours.
Theescalating violence and the Israeli decision to cancel the agreement with UNRWA raise serious concerns about the future of the conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The international community is urging all parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians.
References:
- Reuters: Israel cancels1967 agreement with UNRWA, citing new law
- UN News: UNRWA remains operational, says spokesperson, despite Israeli decision
- UNRWA: Statement by Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini
- US Department of State: Readout of Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign MinisterShoukry
- Haaretz: Egypt’s ceasefire proposal: 48 hours, then prisoner exchange
- Channel 12: Netanyahu to pay millions for each Israeli hostage released
- Al Jazeera: Israeli airstrikes kill at least 33 in Gaza
- Lebanese Ministry of Health: 16killed, over 90 injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Note: This article is based on the provided information and aims to present a factual account of the events. It does not express any personal opinions or biases.
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