Mr Lazzarini said it followed other steps taken by Israeli authorities to “erase the Palestine refugee identity”. Israel’s foreign ministry said UNRWA “long ceased to be a humanitarian aid organization, serving instead as a greenhouse for Hamas terrorism”. Ms McEntee said she was “appalled by the further destructive actions taken by Israeli authorities” In a statement, she said: “These actions are not isolated incidents. “They form part of a wider and sustained effort to undermine and dismantle UNRWA’s operations across the occupied Palestinian territory. “These organisations are delivering life-saving assistance and essential services to civilians across the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region.

Source: Irish Examiner January 24, 2026 19:32 UTC