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Israel’s laws banning UNRWA take effect

Ramallah, Jan 30 (Prensa Latina) Two Israel's laws banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which will leave millions of people without aid, took effect on Thursday despite worldwide criticism.

The first law bans UNRWA’s activities in “areas under Israeli sovereignty,” including East Jerusalem, occupied since the 1967 war.

The prohibition extends to the operating representative offices and providing services, while the second law prevents the authorities from contacting the UN agency.

It also prevents the agency from negotiating with Israeli banks, receiving financial transfers, and paying salaries.

The Palestinian government, the United Nations, and several NGOs have repeatedly condemned such measures passed by the Knesset (Parliament) because they also end coordination to ensure the safe movement of its staff or, in the case of foreigners, prevent them from obtaining visas.

UNRWA had its temporary headquarters in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

On October 10, 2024, the Israel Land Authority (ILA) seized the land to build 1,440 houses for illegal settlers.

UNRWA serves more than 110,000 refugees in Jerusalem alone, a number multiplied in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

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