Israel’s ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is causing concerns for the prospects of peace in the region, according to the agency’s chief, Philippe Lazzarini. The ban, which requires UNRWA to vacate its headquarters in East Jerusalem, is seen as eroding trust in the international community and jeopardizing peace and security. UNRWA, which provides aid in the West Bank and Gaza, relies on agreements with Israel for operations, including access to border crossings for humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza following the recent conflict is likely underestimated, according to the World Health Organization. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports over 47,000 deaths and 111,000 injuries, but many question the accuracy of these numbers due to Hamas’ control. Displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza are returning to the north, as Jordan delivers aid to the region to alleviate suffering.
Donald Trump’s suggestion of forcefully relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt or Jordan has been widely rejected by regional powers, with Jordan emphasizing the need for Palestinians to remain on their land. France has also condemned any forced displacement as unacceptable. The international community is urged to find peaceful solutions to the conflict to avoid further instability.
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