United Nations Condemns Israeli Knesset’s Adoption of Amendments to the UNRWA Operations Freeze Law
El Gisr – Exclusive
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, condemned the Israeli Knesset’s adoption on 29 December of amendments to the law that halts the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated in a press release that the amendments aim to further obstruct UNRWA’s ability to operate and carry out its mandated activities.
He added that the law and its amendments contradict UNRWA’s status and the applicable international legal framework, and must be immediately repealed.
Dujarric emphasized that UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations, and that the UN Convention on the Privileges and Immunities continues to apply to UNRWA, its property, assets, officials, and staff, and that the inviolability of its property must not be violated.
The Secretary-General also highlighted Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities. The press release noted that, in its advisory opinion issued on 22 October 2025, the International Court of Justice concluded that Israel has an obligation to fully respect the privileges and immunities guaranteed to the United Nations, including UNRWA and its staff, in the occupied Palestinian territories and in related matters.
The Secretary-General reiterated his strong support for UNRWA, which plays an indispensable role in serving the Palestinian people in Gaza and other areas of the region. The press release added that UNRWA’s ongoing operations in Gaza contribute to the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict on the ground in Gaza.
