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Israel Cuts Power to UNRWA, Labels Agency Hamas' Arm

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 5, 2026, Israeli authorities cut off water and electricity to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem.
Energy Minister Eli Cohen oversaw the shutdown, stating on X that he personally shut off the supply.
Cohen described UNRWA as an "executive arm of Hamas" and said there is no place for UNRWA in Israel.

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Story summary

On February 5, 2026, Israeli authorities cut off water and electricity to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem.
Energy Minister Eli Cohen oversaw the shutdown, stating on X that he personally shut off the supply.
Cohen described UNRWA as an "executive arm of Hamas" and said there is no place for UNRWA in Israel.