The US has criticised Israel’s decision to ban the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), warning of severe humanitarian consequences for millions, as Hezbollah appoints a new leader amid violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
As Israel’s new law against UNRWA draws international backlash, including condemnations from Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and the UK, a US State Department spokesperson cautioned that the move risks a “catastrophe” for over three million Palestinians dependent on the agency for vital services.
The legislation, approved on Monday by the Israeli parliament, would – if implemented – prevent UNRWA from providing lifesaving support to Palestinians across Israeli-occupied Gaza and the West Bank.
The UN General Assembly established the body in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced during the founding of Israel. Today, it remains the primary organisation delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza and supports millions of Palestinian refugees across the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
The ban adds another flashpoint to the escalating conflict, with at least 93 Palestinians reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza early yesterday morning.
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
What's The 'Toddler Tax' And Who Will End Up Paying It?
Parents could face paying VAT on nursery fees if a class contains just one child aged five, according to government guidance recently issued on the controversial new policy.
US Urges Israel To Rethink Palestinian Aid Agency Ban
UNRWA’s director is not sure there is a plan B’ to its vital services as Hezbollah declares Naim Qassem its new leader
Taliban Bans Women From Hearing Each Other's Voices
The Taliban has implemented a bizarre new edict that will further curb the voices of Afghan women who are already prohibited from speaking in public.
United ‘interested in hiring' Amorim, Sporting confirm
Manchester United have registered an interest in hiring Ruben Amorim and paying the Sporting Lisbon manager’s release clause, the Portuguese club have confirmed.
Will hungry Trent resist the allure of Real's galacticos?
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Sunday brought two pre-assists, two illustrations of remarkable ball-striking ability.
'Sloppy' Lionesses squeeze past spirited South Africa
Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scored in the first half to help England edge to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.
Harris denounces 'fear and division' stirred by Trump
Vice-president Kamala Harris delivered her campaign’s closing argument lasty night from the same spot in Washington DC where former president Donald Trump helped to incite a mob that attacked the US Capitol on 6 January, 2021.
Southport murder suspect charged with terror offence
A teenager accused of murdering three children in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport has been charged with a terror offence and making a biological weapon.
Former Tory MP committed 'brazen' sexual misconduct
A former Tory MP inappropriately touched a woman’s bottom in one of parliament’s bars without her consent, according to a damning report by the Commons sleaze watchdog.
Why the sun is setting on Jenrick's bid for Tory leader
Overshadowed somewhat by the Budget, the US presidential election, wars in the Middle East and even the national debate on how to keep pets calm on fireworks night, the Conservative Party leadership contest is reaching a crescendo.
