Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 30, 2025 International law
New legislation passed by the Israeli parliament contravenes international law and undermines the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as entrusted to it by the UN General Assembly. UNRWA Director-General Philippe Lazzarini made this statement today.
He called yesterday's Israeli parliamentary vote, which resulted in the adoption of new legislation against UNRWA, "an outrageous step." According to Lazzarini, the decision would cut off water, electricity, fuel, and communications to the agency, and empower the Israeli government to expropriate UN property in East Jerusalem, including UNRWA headquarters and its main vocational training center.
He recalled that the International Court of Justice had previously pointed out Israel's obligation to facilitate the agency's activities. Earlier this month, Israeli forces invaded the UNRWA compound In East Jerusalem, the UN flag was torn down and replaced with the Israeli flag. In May, UN schools in East Jerusalem were forcibly closed, depriving hundreds of Palestinian refugee children of their right to education.
Lazzarini described the developments as part of a "systematic campaign to discredit UNRWA" and stressed that the agency continues to play an indispensable role in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, where UNRWA "is the backbone of the entire international humanitarian operation."
The Commissioner-General also warned of the broader implications of the legislation, saying it sets a dangerous precedent for other conflict situations.
"Failure to adequately respond to attempts to intimidate and undermine UN activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory will ultimately jeopardize humanitarian and human rights work worldwide," the UNRWA chief said.
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