“The purpose of this bill is to declare UNRWA as a terrorist organization for all intents and purposes, as well as order the termination of the relations [and the cooperation] of Israel with the agency, either directly or indirectly,” Yulia Malinovksy said in the introduction to the bill, which she authored.

Malinovsky, without providing evidence, claimed 12 UNRWA employees – “without a shadow of a doubt” – were connected to Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023.

UNRWA is the primary source of humanitarian aid not only to Gaza but also to Palestinian refugees throughout the region. Still, several countries say they will resume funding UNRWA.