THE TIMES OF ISRAEL: Netanyahu orders the immediate implementation of the law banning UNRWA’s activities.

The decision to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) marks a dangerous turning point in the history of the Palestinian cause. For decades, UNRWA has been a symbol of the Palestinian refugee issue, providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, food assistance, and emergency relief. Its very existence is a testament to the ongoing struggle of Palestinians who have been displaced since 1948. The agency’s presence is not just a humanitarian endeavor—it serves as a reminder of the unresolved Palestinian refugee crisis and the broader question of their right to return to their ancestral lands. The refugees' plight is one of the core issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and UNRWA’s mandate has been an essential part of the international community’s recognition of this reality. By attempting to dismantle UNRWA, the decision to cut off its operations is essentially a move to erase the memory of the refugee issue and undermine the rights of millions of Palestinians. This includes their right to return to their homes, a key aspect of Palestinian national identity and a demand central to peace negotiations. The decision to target the agency is not only an attack on the practical support it provides, but also an attempt to delegitimize the Palestinian refugee cause, reducing it to a forgotten chapter in history. Such a decision would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the refugees who rely on UNRWA’s services but also for the broader peace process. It risks deepening the sense of injustice among Palestinians and further entrenching the cycle of displacement, marginalization, and suffering. As a result, the dismantling of UNRWA is not just an administrative or policy decision; it is a direct challenge to the rights of Palestinian refugees and their enduring quest for justice.