UN Chief Criticizes Israeli Law Cutting Utilities to UNRWA Facilities

Post by : Saif Nasser

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned a new Israeli law that allows electricity and water to be blocked from facilities run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The UN warned that the decision could seriously weaken humanitarian efforts and worsen the already difficult situation for millions of Palestinians who depend on these services.

According to a UN spokesperson, cutting off basic utilities would make it much harder for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, known as UNRWA, to operate effectively. The agency provides education, healthcare, and emergency aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

The UN said that international law clearly protects UNRWA and its property. Under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, UN property and assets are considered inviolable and must not be interfered with. The spokesperson emphasized that UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations and plays a critical role in supporting refugees.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini also criticized the move, calling it part of a systematic effort to undermine the agency. He said blocking electricity and water was another step in a wider campaign to discredit UNRWA and obstruct its work, especially at a time when humanitarian needs are growing rapidly.

In 2024, Israel’s parliament passed a law banning UNRWA from operating inside Israel and stopping Israeli officials from having contact with the agency. As a result, UNRWA continues to work mainly in East Jerusalem, which the United Nations considers occupied territory. Israel, however, regards all of Jerusalem as part of its sovereign territory.

Relations between Israel and UNRWA have long been tense but have worsened sharply since the start of the war in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly called for the agency to be dismantled and for its duties to be transferred to other UN bodies. The United Nations has rejected this idea, saying no other agency can currently replace UNRWA’s role.

The restriction on utilities came alongside Israel’s suspension of dozens of international non-governmental organizations working in Gaza. These groups were halted after failing to meet new vetting rules. Aid organizations and governments warn that these actions could severely limit access to food, medical care, and clean water.

A group of countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and several European nations, issued a joint statement warning that stopping international aid work would have serious consequences. They said that if aid operations are blocked, one in three healthcare facilities in Gaza could be forced to close.

As the humanitarian crisis continues, the United Nations and many world leaders are urging Israel to reconsider its actions. They warn that cutting basic services to UN agencies could deepen human suffering and further destabilize an already fragile situation.