
A Palestinian man carries a box of aid distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Nov. 4, 2024. (Credit: Ramadan Abed/ Reuters)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has been ordered to cease its operations in Jerusalem and vacate all buildings it uses in the city by Jan. 30, according to a letter sent Friday by Israel’s UN ambassador to the secretary-general.
"In accordance with applicable Israeli law, UNRWA must cease its operations in Jerusalem and evacuate all buildings it occupies in the city no later than January 30," Danny Danon wrote in the letter.
The letter references an October decision by Israel’s parliament to pass a law banning UNRWA’s activities in Israel, including in East Jerusalem — a part of the city annexed by Israel — where the agency operates schools and health centers.
Israel has accused UNRWA of infiltration by members of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and claims that some of its employees were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
"These developments are a direct response to the serious security risks posed by Hamas and other terrorist organizations infiltrating UNRWA, as well as the agency’s refusal to address Israel’s grave and substantial concerns or take corrective action," Danon stated in the letter.
He further argued that UNRWA had "irreparably compromised its fundamental obligation of impartiality and neutrality."
The letter did not mention a second law passed in October, set to ban Israeli officials from working with UNRWA and its employees as of the same date, raising concerns about the future of the agency’s activities in Gaza and the West Bank.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the decision on X (formerly Twitter), warning that it could "sabotage the Gaza cease-fire, once again crushing the hopes of those who have endured unimaginable suffering." He added, "UNRWA’s work must continue in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory."
The truce between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since Jan. 19.
Israel argues that other UN agencies should assume UNRWA’s responsibilities. However, the United Nations maintains that the agency is "irreplaceable," particularly in its role of providing essential services such as healthcare and education to Palestinians.
In a Jan. 8 letter, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that if UNRWA is forcibly shut down in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, Israel — as the "occupying power" — must ensure that these services continue uninterrupted.