UN Chief Condemns Israeli Parliament’s Adoption Of Amendments Targeting UNRWA

ISTANBUL, Jan 1 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday condemned the Israeli parliament’s adoption of amendments to a law to cease the operations of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), saying they aim to further undermine its ability to operate.

"These amendments seek to further impede UNRWA’s ability to operate and carry out its mandated activities.

"The Law and its amendments are inconsistent with the status and international legal framework applicable to UNRWA and must be immediately repealed," Guterres said in a statement, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

UNRWA operates as an integral component of the UN and is fully covered by the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, which extends to its assets, property, officials and personnel, Guterres said.

"Property used by UNRWA is inviolable," he added.

Guterres recalled Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN.

In its Advisory Opinion on Oct 22, the International Court of Justice affirmed Israel’s duty to fully respect the privileges and immunities of the UN in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including UNRWA and its personnel, he noted.

Guterres also reaffirmed his "strong support" for UNRWA, underscoring its "indispensable role" in assisting the Palestinian people in Gaza and across the region.

"UNRWA’s continued operations in Gaza contribute to the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 2803 (2025) and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict on the ground," he added.

The Israeli Knesset earlier Monday gave final approval to a bill to cut electricity and water supplies to the UNRWA offices, with the measure taking effect immediately.

According to Army Radio, lawmakers approved the bill in its second and third readings, with 59 Knesset members voting in favour and seven opposed in the 120-seat parliament.

Under Israeli law, legislation must pass three readings in the Knesset before it becomes binding.

In October 2024, the Knesset also gave final approval to a separate law banning UNRWA activities in Israel, citing allegations that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the Oct 7, 2023 attack against Israel by Hamas – claims the UN agency denies.

UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly more than 70 years ago to assist Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their land.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU