Last month, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israel. With a 92-10 majority, the law includes provisions to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization, reflecting Israel’s escalating concerns over the agency’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move underscores Israel’s longstanding grievances with UNRWA, which it views as an obstacle to peace and a perpetuator of the Palestinian refugee crisis.

UNRWA, established in 1949 to aid Palestinian refugees displaced by the Arab-Israeli conflict, now serves approximately 6 million registered refugees across the Middle East. While originally intended as a temporary relief mechanism, the agency’s mandate has been repeatedly extended, making it a permanent player in a conflict that remains unresolved. Israel argues that UNRWA’s continued existence perpetuates the refugee issue rather than facilitating solutions.

A key Israeli criticism of UNRWA is its unique definition of “refugee,” which includes descendants of those displaced in 1948. This approach contrasts with the definitions used by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which focuses on integrating and resettling displaced populations. Critics argue that this policy inflates refugee numbers and embeds the notion of a “right of return,” a demand Israel firmly rejects as incompatible with its identity as a Jewish state.

Another point of contention is the alleged misuse of UNRWA facilities and resources. Israel has frequently accused the agency of enabling extremist activities, citing incidents where weapons and militant infrastructure were found in or near UNRWA schools and buildings. The recent revelation that nine UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 Hamas attacks has intensified these concerns. Although UNRWA condemned the actions and terminated the employees, the incident reinforced Israel’s belief that the agency indirectly supports terrorism.

UNRWA’s adoption of Palestinian Authority (PA) curricula has also drawn criticism. Israel argues that these textbooks, used in UNRWA schools, often contain inflammatory language and promote narratives that delegitimize Israel. Although the agency has pledged to review and address biased content, many Israelis see this as insufficient, given the persistent presence of antisemitic tropes in educational materials.

The decision to ban UNRWA aligns with broader policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which prioritize Israeli sovereignty and security. By targeting UNRWA, the Israeli leadership appeals to domestic constituencies who view the agency as a symbol of international bias against Israel. The overwhelming support for the legislation reflects widespread mistrust of UNRWA among Jewish Israelis, who believe that the agency undermines efforts toward lasting peace.

Netanyahu’s government argues that shutting down UNRWA’s operations in Israel is a step toward reducing external interference in the conflict. By removing the agency’s presence, Israel aims to shift responsibility for Palestinian welfare to local and international actors more aligned with Israel’s security priorities.

Critics of the legislation argue that banning UNRWA could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Palestinian communities, particularly in East Jerusalem and refugee camps like Shuafat. However, Israeli officials counter that the agency’s presence perpetuates dependency rather than fostering self-sufficiency. They advocate for alternative approaches that integrate Palestinian refugees into their host societies or under Palestinian Authority administration, reducing reliance on external aid.

While opponents claim that Israel bears responsibility for filling the void left by UNRWA, supporters of the legislation argue that international donors and the PA should step in to assume this role. They believe that reforming or replacing UNRWA with organizations focused on development and integration would better serve the long-term interests of Palestinian refugees.

Israel’s stance on UNRWA reflects a broader effort to reframe the Palestinian refugee issue within the context of regional and international norms. By challenging UNRWA’s unique mandate, Israel seeks to align the treatment of Palestinian refugees with global standards that prioritize resettlement and integration over indefinite dependency.

This approach also addresses the perception that UNRWA perpetuates conflict by fostering a narrative of victimhood and resistance. Proponents of the legislation argue that dismantling UNRWA could pave the way for more constructive engagement between Israel and the Palestinian leadership, focusing on practical solutions rather than entrenched grievances.

Israel’s decision to label UNRWA as a terrorist organization may draw international criticism, but it underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing national security. Supporters of the move argue that the risks posed by the agency’s alleged links to extremism outweigh the potential humanitarian consequences. They contend that addressing the root causes of Palestinian hardship requires new frameworks and institutions that do not compromise Israeli security.

The Israeli government’s decision to ban UNRWA reflects deep-seated concerns about the agency’s role in perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While critics warn of potential humanitarian fallout, proponents argue that removing UNRWA from the equation could open the door to more sustainable solutions for Palestinian refugees. By challenging the agency’s mandate and operations, Israel aims to assert greater control over the conflict’s narrative and shift the focus toward long-term stability and integration.

Ultimately, Israel’s move against UNRWA is not merely a rejection of the agency’s practices but a broader statement on the need for new approaches to an enduring conflict. Whether this strategy will achieve its intended goals remains to be seen, but it signals a decisive shift in how Israel addresses one of the region’s most complex and contentious issues.

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