UN Secretary-General Condemns Israeli Law Blocking Basic Utilities to UNRWA Facilities

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday following a move by Israeli authorities to prohibit the provision of water and electricity to facilities owned by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). A UN spokesperson stated the action would “further impede” the agency’s critical humanitarian operations.

In an official statement, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, emphasized the legal protections afforded to the agency, noting: “The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations remains applicable to UNRWA, its property and assets, and to its officials and other personnel. Property used by UNRWA is inviolable.” He reiterated that UNRWA is an “integral” part of the United Nations system.

Wider Campaign Alleged
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini echoed the condemnation, describing the utility ban as part of an escalating “systematic campaign to discredit UNRWA and thereby obstruct” its lifesaving work for Palestinian refugees. He warned that cutting off essential services like water and electricity to schools, health clinics, and distribution centers would have immediate and severe humanitarian consequences.

The latest measure builds upon a 2024 law passed by the Israeli parliament (Knesset) that formally bans UNRWA from operating within Israeli territory and prohibits Israeli officials from contact with the agency. As a result, UNRWA’s operations are now confined to East Jerusalem—which the United Nations considers occupied territory—and other areas where Palestinians reside. Israel maintains that all of Jerusalem is its sovereign capital.

Deteriorating Relations Amid Gaza War
UNRWA, which provides education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, has historically had a strained relationship with Israel. Ties have deteriorated precipitously since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, with Israeli officials repeatedly accusing a small number of UNRWA staff members of links to militant groups—allegations the agency says it has addressed through internal investigations and terminations. Israel has called for UNRWA to be disbanded entirely, advocating for its responsibilities to be transferred to other UN bodies or aid organizations.

Broader Crackdown on Aid Operations
The move against UNRWA coincides with a wider Israeli suspension of dozens of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza. The suspensions were levied due to the groups’ alleged failure to comply with new Israeli regulations requiring stringent vetting procedures.

This broader restriction has prompted significant international concern. In a joint statement on Tuesday, the governments of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom warned that halting NGO operations would have a “severe impact” on the delivery of essential services, including healthcare. They highlighted that approximately one in three healthcare facilities in Gaza would be forced to close if international NGOs were barred from working.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The combined effect of targeting both UNRWA and other international aid groups threatens to deepen the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the population faces widespread hunger, disease, and a near-total collapse of basic infrastructure. Aid agencies warn that blocking access to water, electricity, and medical supplies violates international humanitarian law and will result in increased civilian suffering.

The United Nations and numerous member states are urging Israel to reverse the measures and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, underscoring that the delivery of aid should not be politicized amid a dire humanitarian emergency.

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