Israel Approves Bill Declaring UNRWA a Terrorist Organization

The Israeli parliament (Knesset) gave preliminary support to a controversial bill on July 22, 2024, declaring the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) a terrorist organization. The bill, sponsored by Yulia Malinovsky, will undergo further discussions by the foreign affairs and defense committees. UNRWA provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. Israel has accused UNRWA of having connections to terrorist groups like Hamas, though no evidence has been presented to an independent UN investigation. The international response includes some donor countries halting funding, though others, like Britain, have resumed support. Palest