Full Breakdown
Knesset Passes Law to Block Services to UNRWA Facilities
12/29/2025, 10:38:06 PM
Legislative Overview and Key Provisions
On Monday, the Knesset passed a law prohibiting the provision of electricity and water to facilities operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The legislation, which received overwhelming support with a vote of 59-7, mandates that service providers withhold or disconnect utilities from UNRWA facilities. Additionally, it blocks communications and financial services to the agency. This law amends previous legislation from October 2024 that restricted UNRWA's operations in Israeli territory and limited its activities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The new law categorizes the provision of utilities as "contact" with UNRWA, thereby reinforcing the restrictions. It also empowers the government to seize properties leased to UNRWA in Jerusalem without legal proceedings. This follows a series of actions against UNRWA, including police raids on its offices in East Jerusalem.
Context of the Legislation
The Israeli government has long accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, alleging that over 10% of its staff in Gaza have ties to terrorist groups. Israeli officials assert that UNRWA's educational programs incite hatred against Israel and that the agency has been complicit in violence against Israelis, particularly during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth characterized UNRWA employees as "full partners" in these acts.
Official Statements and Responses
Following the passage of the law, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset Limor Son Har-Melech stated, "UNRWA is a terrorist organization... Today, the State of Israel has made it clear... that it has no place within its borders." This sentiment reflects a broader governmental stance that seeks to redefine the operational landscape of UNRWA in Israel.
In contrast, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in October asserting that Israel is legally obligated to allow UNRWA to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. The court dismissed Israel's claims of UNRWA's loss of impartiality, stating there was insufficient evidence to support these allegations.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the legislation argue that it undermines humanitarian efforts in Gaza and violates international obligations. The International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, which was endorsed by the UN General Assembly, emphasized the necessity of allowing UNRWA to operate without obstruction. Dissenting opinions within the court highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of Israel's claims about UNRWA's neutrality.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy between Israeli claims regarding UNRWA's alleged ties to Hamas and the findings of international bodies. While Israel maintains that UNRWA has been compromised, the International Court of Justice found no evidence to substantiate these claims, raising questions about the validity of the Israeli government's rationale for the new law.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Following the approval of the law, MK Son Har-Melech stated, "UNRWA is a terrorist organization that was a full partner in the massacre, abduction, and murder on October 7th.” — Limor Son Har-Melech, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset
This legislative move marks a significant shift in Israel's approach to UNRWA, with potential implications for humanitarian aid and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
