Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has vowed to put an end to the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza after the recent war with Hamas. Katz has called for the immediate resignation of UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, accusing the agency of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis instead of finding lasting solutions.

The Israeli government has long been critical of UNRWA, seeing it as a perpetuator of the Palestinian refugee issue rather than working towards its resolution. Israel argues that UNRWA allows for intergenerational refugee status, where descendants of refugees are also considered refugees, perpetuating the problem rather than finding ways to solve it. Furthermore, Israel claims that UNRWA employees have been involved in supporting Hamas activities, including storing weapons in their facilities and promoting anti-Israel propaganda.

These accusations have resulted in the firing of several UNRWA employees in recent years. Israel’s latest stance, calling for the resignation of the UNRWA chief and pledging to halt the agency’s operations in Gaza, represents a further escalation in tensions between Israel and the UN agency.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz’s demand for Lazzarini’s resignation is part of a broader effort by Israel to hold UNRWA accountable for its activities and to effect change within the organization. Katz argues that UNRWA has become part of the problem rather than the solution and asserts that it is time for new leadership and a fresh approach.

UNRWA, on the other hand, maintains that it plays a critical role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and supports their rights. The agency has faced financial challenges in recent years after the United States, its largest donor, significantly cut its funding. UNRWA has relied on international support to continue operating and fulfilling its mandate.

The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which led to significant destruction and loss of life in Gaza, has further strained the relationship between Israel and UNRWA. Israel’s vow to stop UNRWA’s activities in Gaza can have significant implications for the people of Gaza, who heavily rely on the agency’s services for education, health care, and social support.

The future of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza remains uncertain as Israel takes a harder stance against the agency. The call for the resignation of UNRWA’s chief and the demand for accountability reflect Israel’s desire for change within the organization and a reevaluation of its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching consequences for the Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the broader peace process in the region.