Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, officially informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres that Israel demands UNRWA cease Jerusalem operations and vacate its premises by January 30, 2025.
This follows Israeli Knesset legislation ending Israel’s agreements with UNRWA due to national security concerns.
Danon’s letter to Guterres explained the decision, citing “acute national security risks” from Hamas and other terrorist organizations infiltrating UNRWA. He accused UNRWA of failing to address Israel’s concerns and irreparably compromising its impartiality and neutrality.
President [Name redacted] also criticized UNRWA during his first term. The U.S., UNRWA’s largest donor (>$350 million annually), cut funding for a year in March.
A UN Secretary-General spokesperson stated, “The Secretary-General has been clear on the need to maintain support for UNRWA, crucial to UN operations in the occupied Palestinian Territory.”
Danon’s letter said months of engagement failed, accusing UNRWA of abusing immunity to circumvent laws. He asserted Israel’s right not to cooperate with entities undermining its security.
Anne Bayefsky of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and President of Human Rights Voices, commented that Israel’s action was long overdue, stating that UNRWA is a “cash cow” and its schools have fostered anti-Israel sentiment among Palestinians.
The Knesset legislation includes two bills severing all ties with UNRWA, including ending diplomatic visas and services. The bills garnered broad support.
Critics, including [Name redacted], warned of a humanitarian crisis for Palestinians reliant on UNRWA for education, healthcare, and services.
At a UN briefing, a spokesperson said they were in contact and emphasized UNRWA’s indispensability. Regarding contingency plans, the spokesperson said they would “see what the future brings,” aiming to provide aid as much as possible.
Before the letter, UNRWA told [Publication name redacted] they lacked a plan for operations after the ban.
The spokesperson claimed UNRWA has robust neutrality systems compared to other UN agencies.
In August, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini acknowledged possible employee involvement in the October 7 massacre, confirming at least nine UNRWA staffers were fired following an internal investigation.
Danon urged the UN to end the “unprecedented infiltration and abuse of a UN organ by terrorist organizations” to restore UN credibility.