Israel's UNRWA Ban Raises Alarms Over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The impending ban on the UN aid agency threatens critical services in Gaza as hostages reveal alleged Hamas use of UN facilities.

Israel's ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is set to take effect on January 28, citing alleged links between the agency and Hamas.
UNRWA has been a key provider of humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare for millions of Palestinians, with experts warning its ban could destabilize Gaza's aid distribution system.
Freed Israeli hostages reported being held in UNRWA-administered facilities, fueling accusations that the agency has been exploited by Hamas for its operations.
The ban coincides with ongoing violence in the West Bank, where Israeli actions, including road destruction near refugee camps, have raised concerns about potential annexation efforts.
The move has drawn international criticism, with no clear alternative structure to replace UNRWA's critical role, risking further humanitarian fallout in the region.