The Israel-Hezbollah war continues to escalate with Israel issuing evacuation orders for the entire city of Baalbek in Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and historical sites. Meanwhile, Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA, a vital aid agency for Palestinian refugees, has drawn international condemnation. The conflict’s devastating impact is evident in the tragic death toll, which has surpassed 43,000 in Gaza.
Israel has passed two controversial laws that could cripple the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by barring it from operating in Israel, severing ties with the agency, and designating it a terror organization. This move has sparked international concern as it could worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is already facing a severe crisis. The laws, which are not yet in effect, highlight the strained relationship between Israel and the UN, and have drawn criticism from global leaders.
India has sent a significant shipment of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine in Gaza, including essential medicines, surgical supplies, and food. This initiative comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, with the World Food Programme warning of depleted supplies and the United Nations calling for an end to the violence. The aid, totaling 30 tons, is being distributed through the UNRWA.
The Justice Department has sided with the United Nations in defending its relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, against a lawsuit filed by victims of the October 7th Hamas terror attacks in Israel. The lawsuit alleges that UNRWA employees aided and abetted Hamas, and the DOJ argues that UNRWA enjoys diplomatic immunity.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza, which killed six of its employees. The agency stated this was the highest death toll among its staff in a single incident, raising concerns about the safety of volunteers in the conflict-stricken region.
The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll on children, with an average of 10 children losing one or both legs daily, according to the UNRWA chief. The agency is facing a severe funding crisis, with its cash reserves expected to run out by the end of August.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a precision strike on a Hamas compound inside an UNRWA school in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 27, according to the Hamas-controlled government media office. The IDF claimed that the compound was used by members of Hamas’s Nukhba force, who were involved in a terror attack on October 7 in Israel. The IDF stated that the strike was aimed at eliminating terrorists who planned to carry out attacks and that precautions were taken to minimize harm to civilians. The latest strike occurred amid ongoing talks between US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to secure a truce and release of hostages held by Hamas.
The United Nations and European Union have strongly condemned the recent attacks on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, which have forced it to temporarily close its headquarters. The attacks, which included arson and stone-throwing, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for Israel to protect UN facilities and personnel in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza was targeted again on Wednesday by rocket fire, lightly injuring an Israeli soldier. The crossing was reopened on Wednesday morning after being closed for three days following a Hamas rocket attack that killed four soldiers. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has said that the crossing remained closed and that the closure is crucial for UNRWA, the main aid agency operating in Gaza.
Germany has announced that it will resume cooperation with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) following an independent review. The review found that Israel had not provided evidence to support its claim that hundreds of UNRWA staff were members of terrorist groups. Israel had alleged that UNRWA employees were involved in attacks that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip in January. Germany, along with several other donor states, suspended funding to UNRWA in the wake of these allegations. However, following the release of the review’s findings, Germany and other countries have resumed funding. The review highlighted some neutrality-related issues at UNRWA, including staff sharing biased political posts on social media and the use of some textbooks with problematic content. Germany has called for the implementation of the review’s recommendations without delay.
