The Norwegian government has pledged to contribute $24 million to the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees, on the same day that Israel banned the group from operating on its territory. The ban prevents UNRWA from operating in Israel and prohibits contact between the agency and Israeli officials. UNRWA has been providing support for Palestinian refugees for over 70 years and has brought in 60% of the food aid to Gaza since the start of Israel's war with Hamas in 2023. Israeli officials have accused UNRWA of being a cover for militant groups, but investigations have found no evidence to support this claim. Relations between Norway and Israel have deteriorated in recent years, particularly after Norway recognized a Palestinian state last May.