The laws block the UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory and prohibit Israeli officials from having any contact with the agency.
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00:00Two laws passed by Israel banning the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees from operating
00:07on Israeli soil come into effect on Thursday.
00:12The most immediate impact is likely to be felt in East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities
00:17may even shut down the agency's headquarters.
00:21But the ban also threatens UNRWA operations in the West Bank and Gaza, where it has been
00:27a lifeline during the war, delivering food and medical aid to millions of Palestinian
00:32refugees.
00:33When UNRWA comes to control the UNRWA, we provide them with free hospitality, and this
00:40helps the people of the camp.
00:42So shutting down UNRWA is a big problem for the people of the camp, for education, health
00:50and services in the camp.
00:52Israel has long criticized the UNRWA, accusing it of participating in the October 7th attack
00:59on southern Israel, something the aid agency denies.
01:03Its decision to ban the UN agency has been bolstered by the Trump administration, which
01:08has reversed the Biden administration's endorsement of the agency.