Israel Orders UN Relief Agency to Leave Jerusalem by January 30

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Israel's ambassador to the United Nations has announced that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) must cease operations and vacate all premises in Jerusalem by January 30, 2025. This directive follows the passage of a controversial law by Israeli lawmakers that prohibits UNRWA from operating in both Israel and east Jerusalem, an area annexed by Israel after the 1967 Six Day War.

UNRWA is a crucial provider of humanitarian assistance for approximately six million Palestinian refugees located in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. The agency has been under increased scrutiny from Israel since the outbreak of war in Gaza, with accusations linking some of its employees to a recent Hamas attack.

While the agency has historically operated schools and health clinics in east Jerusalem, Israeli legislation now restricts communication between its officials and UNRWA. Despite these challenges, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has expressed intentions to continue providing services where possible, though he acknowledges that the lack of cooperation with Israeli authorities complicates their operations.

The international community has raised concerns over the implications of this decision for the welfare of Palestinian refugees.

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