On the eve of the UNRWA closure, the latest attempts to reverse Israel's decision on this matter were unsuccessful. The Guardian reported on this. here.
Earlier, Israel had given UNRWA - the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East operating in Jerusalem, 48 hours to close all its offices in Israeli territory.
The Jewish state announced the closure of all UNRWA offices, severing ties with the organization's representatives, and banned its activities in Israeli territory.
The population of the Gaza Strip, already afflicted by hunger, captivity, and diseases, which was devastated by the Israeli army, will face even greater difficulties after the closure of this agency. Approximately 30,000 people working for the agency might lose their jobs as well.
The main UN agency serving Palestinians – UNRWA, which had been operating in Gaza and other Israeli-occupied territories, is expected to fully close today – January 30, despite broad international support, due to Israel's ban. UNRWA described this decision as "sabotaging the recovery of Gaza and the political transition process."
The ban on UNRWA became evident when the Israeli Supreme Court dismissed a last-minute plea to reverse the law banning the agency's activities in the country.
Following the UNRWA closure, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi vehemently rejected Donald Trump's proposal to “cleanse” Gazan Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, branding it as “unjust”.
Israel severs ties with UNRWA
Israel decided to sever ties with UNRWA with the support of the Trump administration. This decision was strongly condemned by many international humanitarian organizations and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Guterres urged Israel to rescind this order, emphasizing the lack of a "substitute" structure for UNRWA.
Since the onset of warfare, UNRWA has provided approximately 60% of the food aid that has arrived in Gaza.
Exchange of prisoners between Israel and HAMAS
After the closure of UNRWA, three Israelis held by HAMAS in Gaza are expected to be released. The list includes an Israeli army soldier Agam Berger, and two civilians taken hostage, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, who will be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners.
Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old, will be the first male civilian prisoner to be released under the current deal. Additionally, five Thai citizens held by HAMAS may also be released.
According to a Palestinian prisoner protection organization, among the 110 Palestinians to be released, there are 30 youths, including a famous freedom fighter, former theater director and someone who successfully escaped from Israel's highest-security prison in 2021, Zakaria Zubeidi.
Impact of UNRWA’s closure on the region
This week, Israel officially informed the UN about the agency’s closure. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon emphasized that Israel will cease cooperation with UNRWA within 48 hours.
The spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas termed the decision a “provocation” and highlighted that it would escalate tensions in the region.
UNRWA was founded in 1949, to assist hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the creation of Israel. Since then, it has been aiding millions of Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA has faced criticism from Israel over the years. Israeli officials believe the agency helps perpetuate the Palestinian refugee problem. Recently, Israel accused several UNRWA staff members of participating in HAMAS’s October 7 attack.
Controversy surrounding UNRWA
On Wednesday – January 29, just before the UNRWA ban, Israeli officials strenuously tried to produce counterfeit evidence to prove the agency's connection with HAMAS. Despite a statement by Israeli government spokesperson David Menzer claiming “UNRWA is HAMAS,” no concrete evidence was provided.
Investigations conducted by France’s former Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna confirmed some issues regarding neutrality within the agency, but claims of UNRWA’s clear connections with HAMAS members were unfounded.
Statement by UNRWA head Filippo Grandi
UNRWA head Filippo Grandi, addressing the UN Security Council, highlighted the dangerous implications of the agency’s closure:
“UNRWA in Gaza is the largest UN institution, with 13,000 employees and 300 buildings. The agency plays a crucial role in supporting the population and the peace process. However, in two days, we will lose the ability to operate in Gaza.”
“This decision will significantly impact the destiny of millions of Palestinians, the peace process, and regional security.”
“Israel’s policy against the agency is aimed at eradicating the Palestinian refugee status and denying their historical rights.”
It’s worth noting that behind Israel's closure of this humanitarian organization, lies the support of US President Donald Trump. Since coming into power, Trump pledged strong and comprehensive support for Israel. These promises are gradually being realized. In particular, the new American administration lifted the ban on delivering heavy bombs to Israel. Even Trump proposed relocating the Palestinians from the region to other Arab states - Egypt and Jordan. He also offered to build homes for them in the US. This proposal aligns perfectly with the Jewish state's plans to remove Palestinians from the territory and resettle migrant Jews.
Statement by Egypt’s President Sisi
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sharply rejected Trump's proposal to relocate Gazan Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan.
“Forcibly relocating Palestinians poses a threat to Egypt’s national security. We won’t participate in such injustice,” – said Sisi.
According to experts, Israel's inhumane steps will likely intensify and increase as long as the US continues its support. Currently, there’s no force that can hold Israel accountable for its crimes or rein in its aggressive militaristic and colonial appetites.
Abdullah Sayid
