At a plenary session, the Knesset passed the first reading of a bill to recognize the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization and ban its activities in Israel. The bill, initiated by MK Yulia Malinovsky (NDI), received 50 votes in favor and 10 against.
If enacted, the bill will prohibit UNRWA from establishing offices, providing services, or conducting any activities within Israel. The State of Israel will cease all contact with UNRWA, and the agency and its employees will no longer have diplomatic or legal immunity. Additionally, UNRWA and its representatives will lose all benefits, including tax exemptions.
