The Knesset's plenum approved, in its first reading, a bill to classify the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a "terrorist organization," with 50 votes in favor and 10 against. After the law's approval in the first reading, it must still be voted on in second and third readings (in one session) for the bill to become effective, as part of Israel's campaign to dismantle the UN agency in an attempt to eliminate the Palestinian refugee issue.
On May 29, the Knesset approved a preliminary reading of the bill initiated by Knesset Member Yulia Malinovsky from the Yisrael Beitenu party, which classifies UNRWA as a "terrorist organization" and cancels its immunity and privileges. While the United Nations insists on the continued operation of UNRWA, Israel has called in recent months for the replacement of its institutions with others, convincing several countries, including the United States, to halt funding for the agency, resulting in severe financial shortfalls.
The need for UNRWA's services among Palestinians has significantly increased due to the bloody war waged by Israel on Gaza since October 7, which has resulted in more than 130,000 casualties and about 10,000 missing.
