UN Condemns Israeli Law Cutting Water & Power to UNRWA Sites

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned an Israeli law that blocks electricity and water supplies to facilities run by the UNRWA, warning that the move undermines international law and threatens humanitarian operations across Palestinian territories.

The law, approved by Israel’s parliament in late 2025, prevents Israeli utility providers from supplying power and water to UNRWA buildings, including those located in East Jerusalem, which the United Nations considers occupied territory. 

 Israel has already banned UNRWA activities inside the country and severed official cooperation with the agency, citing long-standing security concerns and political objections.

• UN warns Israel’s utilities law risks crippling UNRWA humanitarian operations
• Cutting water and power to UN sites raises international law concerns
• Aid agencies fear civilian impact as restrictions tighten across Palestinian areas

In a statement released on January 1, the United Nations said the legislation violates protections granted under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Guterres said UN facilities and operations must be respected and that denying basic utilities further restricts the agency’s ability to function during an escalating humanitarian crisis.

UNRWA provides education, healthcare, food assistance and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. UN officials warned that cutting electricity and water could disrupt schools, clinics and administrative centres, directly affecting civilians dependent on international aid.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the law is part of a broader effort to weaken the agency’s mandate, adding that such measures could accelerate the breakdown of aid delivery systems in conflict-affected areas. Israel has rejected this view, arguing that UNRWA has not adequately addressed Israeli concerns and that alternative aid channels should be considered.

The utilities restriction comes amid wider international concern over limits placed on aid access to Gaza and other Palestinian areas. Several donor nations have warned that continued operational barriers may force humanitarian groups to scale back or halt services.

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The United Nations said it will continue diplomatic engagement but cautioned that sustained restrictions on UNRWA risk long-term damage to regional stability and civilian welfare.