Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed authorities to begin the immediate enforcement of a law banning the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees on Tuesday. The UNRWA law was passed by the Knesset with broad support, and prohibits the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and bars Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency.

The enforcement of the law follows an earlier directive requiring UNRWA to vacate all premises in occupied East Jerusalem by January 30. On Tuesday, Israeli authorities accelerated this process by shortening all visas for UNRWA’s international staff, forcing their relocation to Amman, Jordan. Office equipment and vehicles were also removed, and efforts are underway to digitize archives.

The move has been met with sharp international criticism, as it effectively dismantles the primary humanitarian aid provider for millions of Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler described the situation as an “unprecedented” challenge to multilateral humanitarian operations. “We are being evicted, declared persona non grata, and forced to relocate despite international law recognizing East Jerusalem as occupied territory,” Fowler stated. He warned that the legislation could severely impact the agency’s ability to continue providing aid, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.

The law’s passage has drawn global condemnation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the move devastating, emphasizing that it would increase suffering among Palestinian refugees. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described it as unprecedented. Amnesty International formerly condemned the ban, saying it criminalizes humanitarian aid and could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.

As international diplomatic pressure mounts, UNRWA has vowed to continue its operations, albeit under uncertain conditions. “We will not stop. We are committed to staying and delivering aid,” Fowler affirmed. However, with no clear alternative to UNRWA’s services, millions of Palestinians could face severe disruptions in access to food, healthcare, and education.

UNRWA has long been responsible for delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, and social support in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The agency operates under a UN General Assembly mandate and has been considered the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the region since its establishment in 1949.