Israel officially informs U.N. of end to relations with Palestinian relief agency

Israel has officially informed the United Nations that it is terminating its agreement with the main U.N. relief organization for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Israel passed legislation banning UNRWA from operating within its borders, accusing the organization of anti-Israel bias and maintaining Palestinians in a permanent refugee status. The move has raised concerns among the international community about worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite the ban not applying to operations in the Palestinian territories, it will severely impact UNRWA’s ability to work in those areas. Israel is now looking to expand the activity of other international organizations as an alternative to UNRWA.