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The Israeli ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) goes into effect in a few days. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon wrote to United Nations Secretary General chief Antonio Guterres on Jan. 24, “UNRWA is required to cease its operations in Jerusalem and evacuate all premises in which it operates in the city no later than 30 January 2025.”

Without coordination with Israel, it will be almost impossible for UNRWA to work in Gaza or the West Bank, since Jerusalem would no longer be issuing entrance permits to those territories or allowing coordination with the IDF, reported Times of Israel. Israel also currently controls access to Gaza from Egypt, and the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the Gaza side of the border with Egypt. What’s not reported is who, if anyone, will provide the services that UNRWA has been providing to the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank under UN mandate for 72 years, as well as in Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said earlier this month that the agency planned to “stay and deliver” services in areas where it can operate. But having “no bureaucratic or operational relation,” with Israel “makes your operational environment even more challenging,” he said.

UNRWA issued a statement on X yesterday reporting that living conditions for Gazans are worsening due to lack of shelter. “Temperatures dropped and heavy rains flooded shelters a couple of weeks ago. Winter and displacement have taken a heavy toll. At least seven babies died from the cold before the ceasefire started,” it said. “With very few homes left standing, displaced families continue to face these sub-human conditions. UNRWA is committed to staying and providing lifesaving supplies to those in need, including to keep people warm.”