WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The U.N. World Food Programme warned Tuesday the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could soon turn into a famine if restrictions on aid continue.

This comes after Israel passed two laws Monday that could stop a key U.N. agency from entering the area.

“We are deeply troubled by this legislation,” said Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. “It poses risks for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services.”

UNRWA provides food, water, health care and education to refugees amid the Israel-Hamas war, and Miller said no other agency can currently take over.

“The work is absolutely critical and irreplaceable in Gaza right now,” he said. 

The Israeli laws will not take effect for months, but Miller said the U.S. could take action against its ally.

“There could be consequences under U.S. law and U.S. policy for the implementation of this legislation,” he said. 

UNRWA called the new laws unprecedented.

“We are the backbone of the aid operation,” said John Fowler, a spokesperson for UNRWA. “That’s not just us saying that. All other agencies from the U.N. rely completely on our logistical platforms, our thousands of staff to be able to do their work.”

However, Israel accuses UNRWA of being “a terrorist front” for Hamas, saying some of its staff participated in the Oct. 7 attack and even more have militant ties.

“These are not aid workers,” said Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. “These are savages who have seized UNRWA Gaza and transformed it into a Hamas chapter. These heinous criminal scandals can no longer be swept under the rug.”

UNRWA fired nine workers after an investigation but denies it knowingly helps armed groups. The U.S. and other allies temporarily paused funding to the agency over the allegations.