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Israel tells UN it’s shutting down all UNRWA operations in Jerusalem: ‘acute security risks’

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Ambassador of Israel United NationsDanny Dunon formally notified António Guterres of Israel’s request for the United Nations Relief and Action Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to cease its operations in Jerusalem and vacate its headquarters by 30 January 2025.

The directive follows recent legislation passed by Israel’s Knesset, ending Israel’s agreements with UNRWA and continuing national security concerns.

In a letter to Guterres, Dunon explained the rationale behind the decision, focusing on “the acute national security risks posed by the widespread infiltration of UNRWA’s ranks by Hamas and other terrorist organizations.” He also accused the agency of failing to address Israel’s long-standing concerns and articulate its “fundamental commitment to neutrality and non-reform neutrality.”

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A United Nations vehicle enters UNRWA offices in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, April 2, 2024.

A United Nations vehicle enters UNRWA offices in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, April 2, 2024. (Photo by Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS)

president Donald TrumpHe has also been a vocal critic of UNRWA, Withholding funding So during his first term as president. The United States was previously UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing more than $350 million annually. In March, Congress agreed to cut funding for the controversial agency for a year.

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General told Fox News Digital, “The Secretary-General has been clear on the need to maintain support for UNRWA, the backbone of UN operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.”

Danon’s letter stated that “months of good faith engagement” with the UN had failed to produce results, accusing UNRWA of abusing it to bypass local laws and regulations. He affirmed Israel’s legal position, stressing that “no country is required to assist and cooperate with an entity that undermines its national security.”

IDF fighting terrorists

The IDF and ISA led to the elimination of a Hamas terrorist, an elite commander, Muhammad Abu Itiwi. He was involved in the killing and selection of Israeli civilians on October 7. Itiwi worked with UNRWA, according to the Israelis. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute for Human and Holocaust Rights and president of Human Rights Watch, told Fox News Digital that Israel’s move has been a long time coming. “UNRWA is a cash cow for the UN, and also for the so-called Palestinian refugees who – in contradiction to refugees everywhere else in the world – inherit their refugee status as long as the Jews are still there. Generations of Palestinians hate the Jews next door and spend their lives seeking the end of Israel rather than Coexist in peace.”

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Israeli Ambassador Danny Donon

Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon speaks to members of the media in front of a UN Security Council meeting, following a missile attack on Israel, at the UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 2, 2024.

The legislation passed by Israeli Knesset includes two complementary bills that sever all ties between Israel and UNRWA, including ending visas and diplomatic services provided to the agency. The bills received overwhelming support from both coalition and opposition members in Knesset.

Critics of the legislation, incl Biden administrationwarned that it could create a humanitarian crisis for millions of Palestinians who depend on UNRWA for education, health care and basic services.

During a UN press conference on Friday, a spokesperson answered questions about the situation, saying: “We are in contact, but we have continued to stress that UNRWA is not being ambiguous.” When asked about contingency plans should the Israeli legislation be implemented, the spokesperson said, “We will see what the future brings. Obviously we are doing our utmost and UNRWA will do our best to continue to provide assistance to people under our mandate, as much as we can.”

Hamas UNRWA

Photos released by the Israel Defense Forces show three individuals that the Israeli military claims are Hamas terrorists inside the UNRWA compound in Rafah. (IDF)

Before the Israeli message was announced, UNRWA spokeswoman He previously told Fox News Digital that they did not have a plan in place for continued operations once the ban began.

The spokesperson claimed that “UNRWA has the strongest systems in place compared to other UN agencies when it comes to adhering to the principle of neutrality in relation to our programs and staff.”

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In August, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed the possible involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7 massacre. He later confirmed that at least nine UNRWA staff had been fired following an internal investigation.

Danon called on the United Nations to “put an end to the unprecedented infiltration and abuse of members of the United Nations by terrorist organizations” to restore the UN’s credibility.

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2025-01-25 00:31:00

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