The Israeli parliament has passed a bill to end the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Israel.
In the vote, 92 out of 120 Israeli MPs supported the bill to ban UNRWA’s activities in Israel, while 10 MPs opposed it. During the session, Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, stated that Israel had the right to “fight against threats against it.” Boaz Bismuth, one of the lawmakers who drafted the bill, argued that UNRWA is not a legitimate refugee agency.
The bill prohibits UNRWA from directly or indirectly opening offices, providing services, or conducting any activities within the “sovereign territory” of Israel.
United States: Israel has provided no evidence on UNRWA
At a daily press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was questioned about Israel’s efforts to block UNRWA activities as the bill was debated. Miller stated, “We believe that the Israeli government should share the information it claims to have against UNRWA and its staff. UNRWA has launched investigations to address allegations against its personnel. However, to our knowledge, the Israeli government has yet to provide any evidence regarding UNRWA.” Miller added that if Israel wishes to act on claims of UNRWA involvement in a terrorist attack, they must present proof.
Miller emphasized that no agency can replace UNRWA’s role in meeting the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees in Gaza. He warned that, without UNRWA, civilians—including children and infants—would lack access to basic necessities like food, water, and medicine, calling this outcome “unacceptable.”
‘This law will not eliminate Palestinian refugees’
After the bill’s passage, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the move, describing it as “a dangerous precedent” that violates the UN Charter. He argued that the legislation disregards Israel’s obligations under international law, stating, “The bill represents an ongoing campaign to delegitimize UNRWA’s role in providing humanitarian aid and services to Palestinian refugees.”
Lazzarini warned that the bill would deepen the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where over 650,000 children risk losing access to education. He further remarked that the law would “increase the suffering of Palestinians” and serve as “collective punishment,” asserting that it does not alter the refugee status of Palestinians, which remains protected by a separate UN General Assembly resolution until a just resolution is reached.
UN General Assembly to address the issue
In a written statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that enforcing this law would have severe consequences for Palestinian refugees. “I urge Israel to comply with its obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law,” Guterres stated, adding that he would bring the matter before the UN General Assembly.
EU and UK response
The European Union issued a statement condemning the bill, asserting that it violates international law and humanitarian principles and will exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis by potentially cutting off essential services for millions of Palestinian refugees.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concern in a statement, noting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. “An immediate ceasefire, prisoner release, and increased humanitarian aid are urgently needed,” Starmer said. He added that only UNRWA has the capacity to provide humanitarian assistance at the necessary scale and called on Israeli MPs to allow UNRWA to continue its critical work.
Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, and Spain issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s decision and pledged to work with donor and host countries to support UNRWA’s humanitarian mission.
Türkiye: Threats to the two-state solution and refugee return
The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the decision in a written statement, describing it as a violation of international law and alleging that Israel seeks to undermine the two-state solution and prevent the return of Palestinian refugees. The statement highlighted the importance of UNRWA’s role in maintaining regional stability, as it has provided essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees since 1949.
Since October 7, the Israeli army has reportedly killed 231 UNRWA workers in attacks on Gaza. The Israeli government has accused 14 UNRWA employees of involvement in these attacks and argued that the agency should be disbanded.
The Tel Aviv government continues its campaign to close UNRWA and discredit its work. The agency employs 30,000 staff—primarily Palestinians—to provide health, education, and social services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, and Jordan.
