Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Dozens as Parliament Bans UNRWA Operations

An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 Palestinians, including 25 children, and left many others injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The airstrike targeted a five-story building in Beit Lahiya, where many families displaced by the conflict were seeking refuge. This incident is one of the most lethal attacks in recent weeks and has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Israeli military has acknowledged the civilian casualties and stated that it is investigating the event. However, the assault is part of a broader context of escalating violence and restrictions. Israeli forces have been obstructing medical and rescue operations in the region, and last week, they ordered Gaza’s civil defense first responders to vacate the northern enclave, leaving civilians to conduct rescues independently.

Simultaneously, the Israeli parliament has enacted legislation that prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from functioning within Israel and regulating its access to Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This move is expected to significantly hinder UNRWA’s ability to deliver aid to Palestinians in need. The laws, approved despite widespread international criticism, render it unlawful for Israeli officials to engage with UNRWA and forbid the agency from performing any operations within Israel’s boundaries.

UNRWA plays a critical role in providing humanitarian support, including education, healthcare, social services, and emergency relief, to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. The agency’s operations are now at risk due to the new laws, which could lead to a breakdown in aid supply networks and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The ban on UNRWA is rooted in allegations that some of its staff were involved in the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. However, an investigation by the UN led to the dismissal of only nine employees, and UNRWA has denied any broader connections to Hamas. The international community, including the U.S. State Department, has expressed concern over the humanitarian implications of these actions.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, initiated by the Israeli military following the Hamas-led assault, has resulted in the deaths of over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The situation continues to deteriorate, with UN officials and humanitarian organizations warning of a rapidly accelerating disintegration of prospects for a sustainable resolution.