UNICEF: Israel's Prohibition Of UNRWA Could Cause Rising Child Deaths In Gaza

Family Conditions in Gaza/WFP/Ali Jadallah

JAKARTA - Israel's decision to ban UN aid agencies for UNRWA Palestinian refugees could result in more child deaths. The ban on the operation of UNRWA is called a form of collective punishment for Gazans.

The law passed by Israel on Monday to ban the Palestinian refugee agency PBB from operating in Israeli territory has raised concerns about its ability to provide assistance in Gaza after more than a year of war.

"If UNRWA is unable to operate, it is likely that the humanitarian system in Gaza will collapse," said UNICEF spokesman James Elder, who has been working extensively in Gaza since the October 7 war began.

"So a decision like this suddenly means that a new way has been found to kill children."

Other UN agencies at the same briefing said it was impossible to fill the void.

"This is very necessary and there is no other alternative at this time," said UN humanitarian office spokesman Jens Laerke.

"I think this is a fair picture of what they have decided here, if implemented, that this will add to the collective punitive action that has been taken. We have seen this implemented in Gaza," he added.

The head of the International Migration Organization said IOM could not replace UNRWA in Gaza but could provide more assistance to those in crisis.

"This is a role we really want to play, and we will increase it with the support of various stakeholders," said IOM Director General Amy Pope.