UNRWA is banned by the Israeli Government.

Omissions

• The claim attributes the ban to 'the Israeli Government,' but the legislation was passed by the Knesset (parliament) — though the government supported and implemented it.
• The ban is territorially limited: it prohibits UNRWA operations in Israeli sovereign territory (including East Jerusalem) and forbids Israeli state contact with the agency. It does not constitute a global ban on UNRWA's existence as a UN agency.
• UNRWA continues to operate in other areas (Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria), though its access has been severely constrained by the legislation and related Israeli measures.
• The most recent source confirming the ban's continued application is a Spanish government statement from 28 January 2026, one year after implementation.

Sources

• PrimaryUNRWA (official website)On Oct 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed a bill banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Israeli territory.
• PrimaryUnited Nations Palestine (UN.org)Israel's new laws banning UNRWA already taking effect. 30 January 2025. Israel's ban is unprecedented. Never before has a UN Member State banned the operations of a UN-mandated agency on its territory.
• PrimarySpanish Ministry of Foreign AffairsWe reiterate our deep concern regarding the application by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024, that prohibits UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory and prevents any contact between Israeli officials and the Agency.