Key Takeaways:
– Israel has officially notified the United Nations to evacuate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from Jerusalem by January 30.
– The move is due to a law passed by the Israeli Knesset banning all UNRWA operations within Israel.
– The decision draws from allegations of Hamas infiltration into UNRWA and the agency’s refusal to address security risks.
– The Israeli government also accuses UNRWA of unauthorized operations and land encroachment.
The Israeli Ultimatum to the UN
In a striking move, Israel has instructed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to desist all its operations in Jerusalem by January 30. The decision is aligned with a law enacted by the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, prohibiting UNRWA activities within the nation.
Israel’s Warning and Rationale
Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, conveyed this directive in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. The imperative, according to Danon, originates from the extensive intrusion of Hamas, among other terrorist organizations, into UNRWA. The Israeli Parliament’s decision reflects growing national security fears spurred by these infiltrations and UNRWA’s continuous refusal to alleviate these serious apprehensions.
Dangers of Unauthorized Operations
The ambassador’s letter also implicates UNRWA in unauthorized ventures. It cites specific concerns over two sites, UNRWA’s current headquarters in Ma’alot Dafna and a property in the Kfar Aqueb neighborhood. According to Danon, both properties are used by UNRWA without proper permission, showcasing a blatant disregard for legal processes while they hide behind their immunity rights.
In addition, there’s a claim that UNRWA appropriated land in Kfar Aqueb without the landowner’s agreement. The Jerusalem Municipality had designated this land for an educational compound to serve the Arab residents, including those with special needs.
Israel’s Stance on International Laws
The three-page letter concludes by affirming Israel’s unwavering commitment to uphold international law. It also stresses its willingness to work with the U.N. and any of its agencies free from terrorist organization infiltrations. In Israel’s view, it would benefit the U.N.’s credibility to prevent its agencies from becoming compromised by terrorist affiliations.
Repercussions of the Knesset Decision
During its winter session, the Knesset took the bold step of passing two bills that restrict UNRWA’s functions within Israel and limit its activities in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. While the decision sparked controversy and was opposed by the Biden administration, it was welcomed by the new Trump 2.0 government.
Compared to the significant change in attitude since President Trump assumed office, it appears highly unlikely that his administration would object to the decision. Considering accumulating evidence suggesting a significant number of UNRWA employees are linked to terrorist activities, the Israeli Parliament’s decision seems justified.
Future Implications
The UNRWA is now facing a severe crisis where it stands to lose its right to operate in Jerusalem. As a result, unresolved tensions continue to increase between Israel and the United Nations. If UNRWA does not withdraw its operations by the stipulated date, the situation could potentially escalate, causing serious political repercussions. As such, the world watches apprehensively, waiting to see which direction this development will take.