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On Monday evening, Israel’s parliament voted on two Bills that would strip UNRWA of legal immunities and restrict its ability to support Palestinians in the West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and Gaza. This ban, if enforced, could result in UNRWA being evicted from headquarters and offices, as well as ending visas for UNRWA staff.

The potential impact of this ban is significant, as it could severely limit the organization’s ability to provide essential services such as healthcare and education to millions of Palestine refugees. Currently, more than 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes and Gaza is facing widespread shortages of food, water, and medicine.

In response to this news, Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that the Israeli Knesset bills restricting UNRWA are “totally wrong.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that UNRWA can deliver aid promptly and at the necessary scale to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, Humza Yousaf criticized Lammy for his stance, pointing out the contradiction in selling weapons to Israel while advocating for aid to Palestinians. This highlights the complexities and challenges of international relations, where political decisions can have far-reaching consequences.

The Irish government also condemned the Israeli parliament’s decision, calling on the international community to stand against this move. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin raised concerns about the impact on the already limited flow of aid to besieged civilians in Gaza. Additionally, Ireland issued a joint statement with Spain, Norway, and Slovenia, denouncing the vote and emphasizing the need for solidarity in supporting vulnerable populations.

This situation underscores the importance of humanitarian aid and the challenges faced by organizations like UNRWA in delivering crucial services to those in need. It also highlights the complexities of international politics and the need for coordinated efforts to address humanitarian crises effectively.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the international community to remain engaged and proactive in supporting vulnerable populations and advocating for humanitarian principles. The voices of leaders like Lammy, Yousaf, and the Irish government play a vital role in raising awareness and mobilizing action to address urgent humanitarian needs in conflict-affected regions like Gaza.