Israeli parliament passes bills to close Unrwa, labels it ‘terrorist organisation’

Israel’s parliament has passed three bills, in their first readings, to close the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) and designate it a “terrorist organization”.

The first bill, which prohibits Unrwa from operating, providing services, or conducting activities on Israeli territory, was passed with a vote of 58-9, according to The Times of Israel.

The second bill, approved by a 63-9 vote, aims to strip Unrwa personnel of the legal immunities and privileges typically granted to UN staff in Israel.

The third bill, which designates Unrwa as a “terrorist organization” and requires Israel to cut ties with it, passed by a 50-10 vote.

These three bills will now go to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee for further deliberation. They will need to pass two more readings to become law.

Israel has strongly advocated for the closure of Unrwa, especially since the onset of its war on Gaza in October.