Israel has banned the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating within its borders, sparking global criticism. <br /><br />Established in 1949, UNRWA provides aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, running refugee camps, schools, and health facilities. <br /><br />The agency, largely funded by voluntary UN member contributions, saw significant cuts in support earlier this year.<br /><br />Israel alleges that over 10% of UNRWA's Gaza staff have ties to militant groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad and argues that the agency's schools promote anti-Israel hatred. <br /><br />Israel has gradually shifted toward other humanitarian agencies, like the World Food Program and UNICEF, to deliver aid. However, UNRWA remains active in Gaza, operating shelters, clinics, and warehouses.<br /><br />The ban has drawn condemnation from countries including the U.S., UK, China, and Russia, with concerns that it may disrupt critical support for Palestinian refugees.<br /><br />#Israel #Gaza #UN
