Daily Alert Archives

Israel's Ban on UNRWA Was the Right Decision

(Daily Mail-UK) David Patrikarakos - On the face of it, the Israeli Parliament's new legislation banning UNRWA from operating inside the country appears dangerous. The pro-Palestinian lobby is wallowing in outrage. But Israel had no choice. In July, the Israel Defense Forces shared with UNRWA a list of over 100 of the group's staff who are members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. On this roster - among others - was Muhammad Abu Atiwi, the Hamas terrorist who led the Oct. 7 massacre at the Re'im Nova bomb shelter, at which 16 Israelis were murdered and 4 kidnapped. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarin admitted that he received the list but stressed that UNRWA does not have police or intelligence investigation capabilities - a pitiful cop-out. Israel has, until now, been forced into a position where it must work with its enemies who get to rape and burn and massacre them before running back home to shelter within the reputational safety of the UN brand. It's surreal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, "There is no alternative to UNRWA." Except, of course, there is. Many other UN agencies provide aid and assistance. What's stopping them from being called in? The legislation will take effect in 90 days. This gives the UN three months to find alternative arrangements, if only it is willing to do so. Israel should hold firm on the decision to ban UNRWA - but ensure that innocent Gazans do not suffer as a result.
2024-10-31 00:00:00
Full Article