Israel must ensure the main humanitarian agency still active in Gaza can continue its “essential work”, the prime minister said after the country’s parliament effectively banned it.

Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was “gravely concerned” by the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two new laws declaring UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) a terrorist organisation.

The laws, which will not take effect immediately, would ban UNRWA from operating on Israeli soil, effectively barring it from working in Gaza or the West Bank where access is controlled by Israel.

In a statement on Monday evening, Sir Keir said: “This legislation risks making UNRWA’s essential work on behalf of the Palestinians impossible, putting at risk the entire international humanitarian response to Gaza and the provision of essential health services. health and education in the West Bank. »

The government has repeatedly called on Israel to increase the flow of aid to Gaza, where the UN has reported that deliveries of essential humanitarian goods “continue to be refused by Israeli authorities, with few exceptions.”

Sir Keir said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is simply unacceptable. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a significant increase in aid to Gaza.

“In accordance with its international obligations, Israel must ensure that sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza.

“Only UNRWA can provide humanitarian assistance at the scale and pace needed. »

Israel accuses UNRWA of turning a blind eye to Hamas militants it says infiltrated its personnel, including a small number of its 13,000 employees in Gaza who took part in the October 7, 2023 attack on the south of Israel.

The previous British government suspended payments to UNRWA over allegations its staff took part in the attacks, but payments resumed under the Labor government after an independent review found the organization had mechanisms “robust” to guarantee its neutrality.

Sir Keir added: “We pay tribute to the 222 UNRWA personnel who lost their lives in the conflict.

“UNRWA has a UN mandate to support Palestinian refugees. We urge Israeli lawmakers to ensure that UNRWA can continue to carry out its essential work. »

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable.

“As it is also essential to avoid a humanitarian crisis, sustained humanitarian assistance must remain available in Gaza now and in the future.

“In the 90 days before this legislation takes effect – and thereafter – we stand ready to work with our international partners to ensure that Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza in a manner that does not threaten not the security of Israel. »

Around 1.9 million Palestinians, or 90% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced from their homes and the territory faces widespread shortages of food, water and medicine.

Earlier, Foreign Minister David Lammy told MPs the allegations against UNRWA staff offered “no jurisdiction to sever ties”.

Asked by former Conservative minister Mel Stride whether there would be “consequences” for the Israeli government following the passage of the bills, Mr Lammy said he hoped the laws would not be enforced.

He said: “It cannot be in their interest that the only humanitarian organization provides not only health care, but also schools for young people and, of course, works not only in Gaza but also in the occupied territories.

“It simply cannot be in their interest to do that, because then they would have to do it themselves. »

Responding to a question from Labor MP Clive Betts about the possibility of sanctioning Israeli parliamentarians who voted for the legislation, Mr Lammy said he “unequivocally condemns” the “vile language used by extremist elements within the government Israeli”. adding that sanctions remain under review.

On Monday, the Prime Minister also met his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati at Downing Street to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

Offering condolences for the “many, many lives lost” in Lebanon, Sir Keir began his meeting with Mr Mikati by emphasizing the importance of ensuring an end to hostilities in the region.

Mr Mikati thanked Sir Keir for calling for a ceasefire in the region and for Britain’s support on humanitarian issues.