Israel bans UNRWA, Palestinians claim 100,000 residents trapped
Israel's parliament has approved a law banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in its territory. The move comes amid claims that some UNRWA staff were linked to the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and their alleged connections to Hamas and other armed groups. "UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
UNRWA head criticizes Israel's ban, cites international law violation
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has criticized Israel's decision to ban the agency. He called it a move that goes against the United Nations charter and breaches international law. Lazzarini also hinted that this move is part of a continuous campaign to discredit UNRWA's role in helping Palestine refugees.
Israeli military operations intensify in northern Gaza
On the same day as the vote, Israeli tanks pushed deeper into northern Gaza. Palestinian emergency services said some 100,000 civilians were trapped as a result of the push. The Israeli military said its operations were targeting regrouping Hamas militants and claimed to have captured some 100 suspected militants at a hospital in Jabalia camp. However, Hamas and medics denied any militant presence at the hospital.
Ceasefire talks resume amid escalating conflict
As the conflict escalates, US, Egypt, and Qatar-led efforts to broker a ceasefire have resumed after previous failed attempts. Egypt had proposed a two-day truce to exchange hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. However, both Israel and Hamas remain adamant with Israel insisting that the war will continue until Hamas is eradicated and Hamas refusing to end fighting until Israeli forces leave Gaza.
Conflict's impact on Middle East and global oil supplies
The conflict has also triggered wider tensions in the Middle East, with fears over global oil supplies escalating as Israel bombed Lebanon and fought with Iran-backed Hezbollah forces. At least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages near Baalbek in eastern Lebanon. Direct clashes between Israel and Iran have also taken place, with Israeli warplanes targeting Iranian missile sites after an Iranian missile attack on October 1.
