UNRWA Under Threat: Israel’s New Ban and the Future of Palestinian Refugees’ Rights

While the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories remains severe, the recent legislative measures adopted by the Knesset, which ban UNRWA from the “sovereign territory of Israel” and revoke its privileges and immunities, risk severely compromising the living conditions of millions of Palestinians who rely on its essential services. For 75 years, UNRWA has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing essential services such as education, healthcare and humanitarian aid. Beyond its practical impact, the Agency represents the collective responsibility of the international community on the Palestinian refugee issue.

Against this backdrop, the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) is hosting an online seminar featuring a representative from UNRWA and leading scholars on Palestine, to discuss the consequences of these Israeli legislative developments. How will a ban on UNRWA impact Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, where the Agency’s presence has been a pillar of survival? What must be done to safeguard the rights and lives of one of the world’s most vulnerable populations? What are the broader implications for the international community’s role in the Israel-Palestine conflict?