British lawmakers have warned that an Israeli ban on the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency due to be implemented this month threatens to undermine efforts for peace in the Middle East, AFP reports.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a day ago that legislation barring UNRWA from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem due to be implemented by the end of January threatened the agreement. The chair of the UK parliament’s International Development Committee echoed his call today.

“While news of a ceasefire is encouraging, the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank remains alarming,” said Sarah Champion, from the ruling Labour party.

“Israel’s proposed ban on UNRWA would prevent aid distribution in Gaza, devastate Palestinian livelihoods and send disruptive ripples throughout the Middle East.”