October 29th 2024.
Australia is among many nations who are outraged by Israel's recent decision to label the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. This move came after the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed two laws targeting the agency, banning them from operating in Israel and severing diplomatic ties with them. These laws are set to take effect within the next 90 days.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke out against the decision, stating that UNRWA does vital work and that Australia opposes the Israeli Knesset's actions. The United States, United Kingdom, and other allies also condemned the move, with the US State Department expressing deep concern and the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating that the legislation could make it impossible for UNRWA to carry out essential work for Palestinians.
The head of UNRWA, Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini, described the move as unprecedented and warned that it would only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where they have been enduring a year of extreme hardship. Other aid agencies also spoke out against the decision, with Oxfam Regional Director Sally Abi Khalil calling it a crime and stating that it would further undermine the ability of the international community to provide aid and save lives in a safe, impartial manner.
Israel has justified its actions by alleging that some of UNRWA's staff members were involved in Hamas attacks that sparked a war in Gaza last year. They also claimed to have found Hamas military assets near or under the agency's facilities. However, UNRWA denies knowingly aiding armed groups and says it quickly removes any suspected militants from its ranks.
These allegations have led to major international donors cutting funding to the agency, causing a decline in aid to Gaza. This has had a severe impact on the population of 2.3 million, who are almost entirely dependent on aid to survive. Many have been displaced and are living in overcrowded, dire conditions, with hunger becoming rampant. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's campaign, although it is not clear how many were civilians and how many were militants.
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