Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that UNRWA’s existence was a hurdle for peace. It was set up by UN General Assembly, after the 1948 war that marked the creation of Israel, to provide assistance and services to 7 lakh-odd Palestinians who were forced to flee their homes during the conflict, and their descendants. Over the last 70 years, UNRWA has been the lead agency with boots on the ground providing aid. It has been accused by Israel of employing members of Hamas and using educational facilities in ‘Palestinian territories’ to incite anti-Israel sentiments. The accusations are stretched, as UNRWA routinely submits staff lists to Tel Aviv for the latter to identify and clear. For the record, UN acted on Israel’s dossier on UNRWA staff who participated in the Oct 7 attacks.
Shutting down UNRWA in Israeli territories will undoubtedly increase the suffering of Palestinians, thereby making it easier for terror organisations to attract recruits. The irony of this seems to be lost on a vigilantism-bent Israel. Like Russia, Israel is violating UN charter, going against its own allies like the US, and undermining the rules-based order. This portends adding fuel to fire, as it removes the guard rails that have offered civilians a modicum of protection against being targeted during war.