On Monday evening, October 28, 2024, the Knesset passed two laws against UNRWA. One of them orders the UN agency to cease all activities in Israel from 2025. The second law prohibits government agencies from cooperating with UNRWA, making the agency's work in Gaza impossible.
Only Arab deputies voted against the new laws, and the Labor faction did not show up to vote. The Knesset's decision caused discontent on the part of the United States and Western countries, which asked Israel not to pass such laws. The G7 foreign ministers called on Israel to adhere to its international obligations and continue to assist UNRWA.
The Israeli Parliament has not proposed an alternative to UNRWA's work, raising serious concerns about the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees. Despite the recommendations and requests of the international community, the Knesset decided to go against their opinion and passed laws, considering them as a priority for national security.