UN chief condemns Israeli amendments targeting UNRWA operations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the Israeli parliament’s adoption of amendments to a law targeting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, saying the measures seek to further undermine its ability to operate.

"These amendments seek to further impede UNRWA’s ability to operate and carry out its mandated activities," Guterres said in a statement on Wednesday, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

"The law and its amendments are inconsistent with the status and international legal framework applicable to UNRWA and must be immediately repealed," he added.

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

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

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

He noted that in its advisory opinion of October 22, the International Court of Justice affirmed Israel’s duty to fully respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including UNRWA and its personnel.

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

He said 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.

Earlier this week, the Israeli Knesset gave final approval to a bill cutting electricity and water supplies to UNRWA offices, with the measure taking effect immediately.

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

In October 2024, the Knesset also approved a separate law banning UNRWA activities in Israel, citing allegations that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the October 7, 2023 attack, claims the agency denies.

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