UNRWA provides far more than humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. In this impoverished enclave, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees acts almost like a state, providing essential services such as health care, education and even psychological support.

That’s why there was an outburst of dismay from Palestinians, countries around the world and aid organizations when Israel’s parliament voted to outlaw any contact between itself and UNRWA — a move that will severely hamper the…