Netanyahu promises aid following UNRWA ban

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza after the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, passes a law prohibiting the UN agency UNRWA from operating in Israel. There will be a 90-day period before the law takes effect, and Israel is ready to coordinate with international partners to ensure the delivery of aid in a secure manner. UNRWA is considered pivotal in providing relief, shelter, healthcare, and education to Palestinians. The decision has sparked criticism: UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemns it for exacerbating Palestinian suffering, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes UNRWA’s indispensability and forewarns harm to peace efforts. Furthermore, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy deems the law ‘completely wrong’ and insists on uninterrupted UNRWA assistance to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.