Israeli ban on UNRWA 'intolerable,' will have 'devastating consequences': WHO chief

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The WHO chief has warned that the Israeli ban against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) will have "devastating consequences" as the agency is an "irreplaceable lifeline."

"UNRWA is an irreplaceable lifeline to the Palestinian people. And it has been for the past seven decades," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said late Monday on X.

"Today’s decision by the Israeli parliament barring UNRWA from its life-saving and health-protecting work on behalf of millions of Palestinians will have devastating consequences. This is intolerable," Tedros said.

He stressed that it contravenes Israel’s obligations and responsibilities, and threatens the lives and health of all those who depend on UNRWA.

Despite objections from around the world, Israeli lawmakers passed on Monday the bill 92-10, banning UNRWA from working in Israel and occupied territories.

Israel has accused UNRWA employees of complicity in the Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border incursion by Hamas. UNRWA, however, denies the accusations.

Since then, Israel has killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza and created famine-like conditions across the blockaded territory.

The law, to take effect within three months, would end contact between UNRWA and Israeli officials, preventing the agency from providing life-saving support to Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The agency was established by the General Assembly in December 1949 to carry out relief and works programs for Palestine refugees. It began its operations on May 1, 1950.​​​​​​​