Israel’s ban on UNRWA will deepen 'Palestinian humanitarian catastrophe,' warns Doctors Without Borders

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Tuesday warned that Israel’s move to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) will have “catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza.”

"The Israeli Knesset's ban on UNRWA's operations voted on 28 October represents a devastating blow to Palestinian life. It will further undermine people's survival prospects in Gaza and heavily impact communities in the West Bank," the medical charity said in a statement.

Denouncing the legislation, it said that the decision "represents an inhumane ban on vital humanitarian aid."

Saying that Monday's vote at the Knesset is propelling Palestinians toward an even deeper humanitarian crisis, MSF stressed it is imperative that the world acts to safeguard Palestinians’ fundamental rights.

"Immediate international intervention is needed to pressure Israel to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid, implement a ceasefire and bring to an end the current campaign of destruction in Gaza," it added.

The vote Monday in the Knesset saw 92 of 120 lawmakers voting in favor of the bill, while 10 opposed.

Israel has accused UNRWA employees of being complicit in the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border incursion by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

The Israeli army has continued a brutal onslaught against Gaza since a Hamas attack last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and an excess of 101,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel stands accused of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice.