A threatened Israeli ban on all UNRWA operations in Gaza and the West Bank would not impact the legal status of Palestinian refugees, the agency says. “UNRWA as a structure in the life of Palestine refugees is irreplaceable,” agency spokesperson Tamara Alrifai told . “Having said that if UNRWA were forced to shut down its schools, health centres, and all its services tomorrow, Palestine Refugees remain Palestine Refugees. This is a legal status.”