Latest Middle East news – Genocide in Gaza – UNRWA banned, international community react with horror
A roundup of the latest news from the crisis in the Middle East as Israel continues its horrific genocide in Gaza – with aid being seriously impacted by Israel’s latest move.
The Israeli war on Lebanon continues with overnight strikes killing at least 60.
Quick facts
- UNRWA banned by Israel making it impossible to deliver aid – no alternative offered by Israelis
- UN chief Antonio Guterres said there were no “alternative to UNRWA” and that the implementation of the laws could have “devastating consequences” for Palestinians
- The Israeli ban, which will take effect in 90 days, also drew condemnation from Australia, Belgium, Jordan, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.
- Overnight a UNRWA school in Jabalia was set on fire
World condemns Israel’s ban on UNRWA
- UN chief Antonio Guterres called UNRWA’s work “indispensable” and said there is “no alternative” to the agency
- Chinese envoy to the UN, Fu Cong, called the Israeli move “outrageous”, adding that his country is “firmly opposed to this decision”
- Russia described Israel’s UNRWA ban as “terrible” and said it worsens the situation in Gaza
- The UK expressed grave concern and said the Israeli legislation “risks making UNRWA’s essential work for Palestinians impossible”
- Jordan said it “strongly condemns” the Israeli move, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international law and the obligations of Israel as the occupying power”
- Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain said the move set a “very serious precedent for the work of the UN” and for all organisations in the multilateral system
- Australia said UNRWA does life-saving work and her government opposes the Israeli decision to “severely restrict” the agency’s operations
- Switzerland said it is “concerned about the humanitarian, political and legal implications” of the Israeli laws banning cooperation with UNRWA
France reacts to UNRWA ban by Israel
“Implementation of these laws would have very serious consequences for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is already catastrophic, but also all of the Palestinian territories,” a statement from the ministry read.
It added that France “reiterates its support for UNRWA and will continue to track the implementation of reforms necessary for its actions to be neutral”.
Death toll from Israeli attack in Beit Lahiya rises to 109
According to Al Jazeera, 115 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza since dawn. The news site cites medical sources in the area.
Israel passes law banning UNRWA amid Gaza aid concerns
Israel’s parliament has approved legislation to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and Israeli-controlled East Jerusalem within the next three months. The new law prohibits contact between UNRWA staff and Israeli officials, severely impacting the agency’s work in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as cooperation with Israel’s military is essential for aid transfers into Gaza.
Backlash as Israel bans UNRWA
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder says Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA could see the “collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza”.
“So a decision such as this suddenly means that a new way has been found to kill children,” Elder said.
UN humanitarian office spokesperson Jens Laerke also said, “[UNRWA] is indispensable and there is no alternative to it at this point.”
In response to a question about whether the ban represented a form of collective punishment against Palestinians in Gaza, he said: “I think it is a fair description of what they have decided here, if implemented, that this would add to the acts of collective punishment that we have seen imposed on Gaza.”
Gaza’s death toll rises
At least 43,061 people have been killed and 101,223 wounded in Israeli military attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023, the enclave’s Health Ministry says.
At least 60 killed in Lebanon in Israeli airstrikes
Lebanon’s health ministry has reported at least 60 fatalities following Israeli air strikes on the Bekaa Valley, a region known for its Hezbollah presence. Among the deceased were two children, with another 58 people injured. Rescue operations are still ongoing in the area, officials said.