ISRAEL – Israel’s parliament has voted to ban a United Nations agency that has provided essential services for Palestinian refugees for nearly eight decades, a move that could have devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

On Monday, the Knesset passed two bills; one barring the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from activity within Israel, and another banning Israeli authorities from any contact with UNRWA – revoking the 1967 treaty that allows the agency to provide services to Palestinian refugees in areas under Israel’s control.

The move is expected to severely restrict the UNRWA from operating in territories Israel occupies, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. According to the published law, all contact between Israeli officials and the UN agency will end in three months from Monday. The 1967 treaty will expire within seven days of the bill’s passing, as Israel’s foreign minister makes the UN aware of its intention to terminate the treaty, the law says.

Following the passing of the first law, Boaz Bismuth, a member of the Likud party, the architect of the bill, said: “Anyone that behaves like a terrorist has no rights in Israel…. UNRWA equals Hamas, period.” The move went ahead despite heated opposition from Arab members of the Knesset and strong international pressure from Western nations. The first law was approved with 92 votes in favor, 10 against. The second was approved with 87 votes in favor, 9 against.

The vote was swiftly criticized by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, who said it violated international law and was “the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role toward providing human-development assistance and services to Palestine refugees.” Several countries, including the United States, have expressed deep concerns about the ban. Prior to the vote, the US State Department had urged Israel not to pass the legislation, saying the agency plays “an irreplaceable role right now in Gaza.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously warned Israel that passing the legislation could “have implications under US law and US policy.” (CNN) …[+]