Netanyahu has always wanted to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees (UNRWA) because it is a reminder of the Palestinians who were expelled from their lands 75 years ago by Israel and their inalienable right to return to their homes.
But there seems to be a more concerted and intentional effort underway. From the Israeli premier's point of view, destroying UNRWA would significantly boost Israel's negotiating position in the event of any final settlement agreement with the Palestinians.
Before a final solution can be reached, the two sides need to settle a host of pesky issues like Jerusalem, the right of return, Israeli settlements, and eventual Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu recently announced that UNRWA would not be allowed access to northern Gaza, where Israel is starving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who desperately need the aid.
Longstanding campaign
But this was just the latest step in a series of measures taken by Israel since the onset of its war on Gaza. On 26 January, Israel claimed that 12 UNRWA personnel in Gaza were involved in the 7 October Hamas attacks without providing evidence.
The timing conveniently coincided with a ruling by the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of plausible genocide. No doubt, the court's decision infuriated Israel and fuelled its determination to eliminate UNRWA, whose reports were extensively cited in the Hague.
