UK says Israel’s move to ban UN agency for Palestinian refugees 'gravely concerning'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The British prime minister on Tuesday said the Israeli parliament's decision to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is "gravely concerning."

"The UNRWA bills passed by Israel’s Knesset are gravely concerning. This risks jeopardising the international humanitarian response in Gaza," Keir Starmer said on X.

Reiterating his call for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages, the prime minister added: "Israel must ensure sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza."

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.