TEL AVIV( ISRAEL): Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the immediate enforcement of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) law, which was passed by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, with strong support. UNRWA provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees.

In a post on  social  media 'X', the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the UNRWA regulation be enforced immediately.” The statement also clarified that there are no restrictions on carrying out this directive.

Back in October 2024, the Knesset approved two laws aiming to shut down UNRWA’s operations in Israel and prevent Israeli officials from having any contact with the agency.

UNRWA was created by the United Nations in 1949 after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Its goal was to provide direct aid to Palestinian refugees who had lost their homes and livelihoods due to the conflict. Over the years, the agency has offered essential humanitarian services, including medical care, education, and job training, especially in areas like the West Bank and Gaza.

After Israel’s decision, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that banning UNRWA would have severe consequences for Palestinian refugees. Other UN officials also criticized the move, calling it dangerous and harmful. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, said the decision would worsen Palestinian suffering and described it as "collective punishment."

The United Nations says that UNRWA was set up soon after the UN itself was created. It was established through General Assembly resolution 302(IV) following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The agency was created to provide direct aid and work programs for Palestinian refugees. These refugees are defined as people who lived in Palestine between June 1, 1946, and May 15, 1948, but lost their homes and sources of income because of the war in 1948.

Meanwhile, Israel is all set to receive the bodies of 4 hostages from Gaza on February 20, and is making efforts on bringing back 6 living captives on February 22, an Israeli security official has said.