Middle East latest: Israel passes 2 laws restricting UN agency that distributes aid in Gaza

The Israeli government has passed two laws that severely restrict the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organization that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. These laws, which are not yet in effect, could significantly impact the distribution of aid to Gaza at a time when the humanitarian situation there is deteriorating. Israel claims that some UNRWA staff members have ties to Hamas and that the organization has been used to hide Hamas assets, while UNRWA denies these accusations. The passing of these laws has sparked international concern and could further strain relations between Israel and the international community.