Israel’s UNRWA ban marks ‘new level’ in conflict with UN, says Palestinian envoy

Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) marks a “new level” in its conflict with the UN, according to the Palestinian envoy to the UN.

On Monday, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation to prohibit UNRWA from operating within its borders. UNRWA, established over 70 years ago, provides essential aid, education, and healthcare to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and neighbouring countries.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour called the Knesset’s move “a new level in this war against the UN” and part of “an all-out assault on the Palestinian people.” He highlighted that Israel had previously declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres “persona non grata” and accused Israeli authorities of “killing, detaining, and torturing” UN staff and peacekeepers. Mansour emphasised that many nations have condemned Israel’s stance against UNRWA, questioning: “When will the condemnations lead to actions and accountability?”

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, described the Knesset’s vote as a “dangerous precedent,” warning that it could jeopardise critical support for Palestinian refugees. Since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza last October, UNRWA has suffered major losses, with 223 staff members killed and two-thirds of its facilities damaged or destroyed.

Israeli UN representative Danny Danon claimed UNRWA facilities in Gaza had become “a front for Hamas,” an assertion the agency denies. Israel has argued that UNRWA’s mission perpetuates anti-Israel sentiment and is no longer relevant. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States, UNRWA’s largest donor, to reconsider its support.

Speaking from New York, Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reported widespread international support for UNRWA, noting that Secretary-General Guterres may bring the issue to the General Assembly, with some member states exploring potential sanctions against Israel.

As Israel continued airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least 115 people on Tuesday, Mansour appealed to the Security Council, urging action: “Israel has crossed every red line, broken every rule, defied every prohibition. When is enough really enough? … By ending impunity and ensuring accountability … let your actions match your words. Stop this genocide or forever remain silent.”