The Israeli occupation’s decision to ban the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is set to take effect at the end of January. This controversial move has raised alarm among international and human rights organisations, warning of dire consequences for the millions of Palestinian refugees dependent on the agency for essential services such as food, healthcare, and education. UNRWA has urged the Israeli Knesset to reverse the decision, emphasising that no alternative organisation is equipped to fulfil its critical role.

Ali Hwidi, head of the "302" Committee for the Defence of Palestinian Refugee Rights, highlighted that UNRWA continues to operate for now, serving nearly 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries. However, he warned that the impending ban could lead to severe humanitarian and political repercussions, particularly in Gaza, where much of the population relies on aid due to decades of Israeli aggression and blockade.

This ban is seen as part of a broader Israeli campaign to erase Palestinian identity and undermine the status of refugees. Critics argue that dismantling UNRWA’s operations risks stripping refugees of their legal and historical rights, deepening their marginalisation. UN officials and humanitarian experts have also expressed concern over the disruption of aid distribution and the safety of staff, with coordination between UNRWA and Israeli authorities likely to cease.

The international community has yet to take decisive action against the Israeli decision. Advocates for Palestinian rights have called for urgent diplomatic and media efforts to pressure the UN and global leaders into protecting UNRWA’s mandate. Without intervention, the humanitarian crisis could escalate, further destabilising an already volatile region.

Established in 1949, UNRWA was created to support Palestinian refugees displaced by the Nakba and to work towards a just resolution of their plight. Its potential dismantling marks a grave moment in the struggle for Palestinian rights, with the agency describing the move as an attempt to rewrite history and erase the legacy of a people still fighting for justice.