The U.N. relief agency UNRWA warns that halting its operations in Gaza could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This ceasefire, which paused a prolonged conflict, facilitates humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges.

U.N. officials vowed Thursday that the agency would continue to deliver services in the occupied Palestinian territories for as long as possible.

Legislation that stops Israeli authorities from working with the main U.N. agency caring for Palestinian refugees came into effect Thursday, threatening the ability to sustain aid deliveries for Gaza that are a key part of the cease-fire deal.