UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warned that Israel’s ban on UNRWA could lead to “the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza,” adding that this decision “creates a new way to kill children.”

UN humanitarian office spokesperson Jens Laerke also emphasized that “UNRWA is indispensable and there is no alternative to it at this point.”

When asked if the ban amounts to collective punishment, Laerke responded, “I think it is a fair description... this would add to the acts of collective punishment that we have seen imposed on Gaza.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris called on the EU to review its ties with Israel following its ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.