Guterres warns Netanyahu that Israel’s decision could end UN aid to Palestinian refugees

With the adoption of the bill submitted to the Israeli parliament, the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA) could be suspended, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned.

With the adoption of the bill submitted to the Israeli parliament, the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA) could be suspended, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned.

“I have therefore written directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express my deep concern about a bill that could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the occupied Palestinian territories,” said Guterres.

The purpose of the bill is to evict the organization from its buildings in areas controlled by Israel, to revoke the organization’s privileges and immunities, said the UN Secretary General.

It comes as the Gaza war enters a “terrible, repulsive second year” and threatens a wider escalation in the region, Guterres said.

If the Knesset passes this law, it will likely be a blow to international humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

“It would be a disaster in a situation that is already a disaster,” Guterres said.

Israel claims that several UNRWA workers were involved in an attack on southern Israel by Gaza Strip militants on October 7 last year.

An audit report by independent experts found that UNRWA had established “robust” mechanisms to respect the principle of neutrality, but noted that there was room for improvement.