Israeli lawmakers move to brand UN agency 'terror organization' after Gaza aid convoy struck
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Israeli troops fired on an aid convoy at a checkpoint while it was en route to Gaza City, the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said on Monday.
Separately, Israel’s Knesset approved three bills aimed at shutting down UNRWA that would brand the agency a terrorist organization, ban it from operating on Israeli soil, and strip personnel of immunities granted to UN staff in Israel, The Times of Israel reported. The legislation will need to pass second and third readings before becoming law.
Israel has also ordered the evacuation of a humanitarian area previously designated a safe zone to the west of Khan Younis, the agency said. Some 400,000 people are believed to be sheltering in the area.
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The convoy’s mission had been “coordinated and approved” by the Israeli authorities, the head of UNRWA said. No casualties were reported, but one armored vehicle was left severely damaged. This is the latest in a series of attacks that have affected aid operations in the Palestinian territory.
The incident and new evacuation orders will likely be a subject of discussion as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to address the US Congress on Wednesday and meet with President Joe Biden.
