Story perspectives

Israel Cuts UNRWA Resources Amid Controversial Policy Shift

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 16, 2025, the Knesset's Foreign and Defense Committee approved a measure to cut off electricity and water to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities in the occupied territories.
The legislation would allow the Israeli government to confiscate properties in East Jerusalem leased to UNRWA without legal proceedings.
The move followed a recent army raid on UNRWA's headquarters, where materials were seized amid accusations of UNRWA's support for the Islamic Resistance Movement and the October 7, 2023 attack.
The approval signals a policy shift that could affect UNRWA operations and East Jerusalem properties leased to UNRWA.

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Story summary

On December 16, 2025, the Knesset's Foreign and Defense Committee approved a measure to cut off electricity and water to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities in the occupied territories.
The legislation would allow the Israeli government to confiscate properties in East Jerusalem leased to UNRWA without legal proceedings.
The move followed a recent army raid on UNRWA's headquarters, where materials were seized amid accusations of UNRWA's support for the Islamic Resistance Movement and the October 7, 2023 attack.
The approval signals a policy shift that could affect UNRWA operations and East Jerusalem properties leased to UNRWA.