(VOVWORLD) - The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it was cancelling the agreement that regulated its relations with the main UN relief organization for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) since 1967.
 UNRWA conducts relief delivery in Rafah, Gaza Strip (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said activities of other international organizations will be expanded and that Israel would make preparations to end its relationship with UNRWA and boost alternatives to UNRWA.
On October 28, the Israeli parliament passed two bills banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and barring Israeli authorities from contacting the UN agency, the main provider of aid to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Accordingly, UNRWA will not be allowed to send representatives, provide services, or conduct any activities at either direct or indirect form, on Israeli territory. The legislation does not directly outlaw UNRWA's operations in the West Bank and Gaza, but it will severely impact its ability to work in those areas and there has been deep alarm among aid groups and many of Israel's partners.