ISTANBUL

New Israeli restrictions on international humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip are further undermining aid operations and risk setting a dangerous precedent, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Wednesday.

The measures are “further compromising the humanitarian operation” in Gaza, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement on the US social media company X.

Lazzarini said the restrictions come in the wake of Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA and reflect what he described as “a troubling pattern of disregard for international humanitarian law and increasing impediments to aid operations.”

“This is a dangerous precedent,” he warned.

He cautioned that failing to push back against attempts to control the work of humanitarian organizations “will further undermine the basic humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality and humanity underpinning aid work across the world.”

Lazzarini’s comments came as Israel began steps to revoke operating licenses of several international organizations working in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, alleging they failed to complete legal registration requirements, according to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Israel has previously taken similar steps against UNRWA. In 2024, the Knesset passed legislation banning the agency’s activities in Israel, citing allegations that some UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023 events, claims the agency has denied. The UN has said UNRWA adheres to strict neutrality standards.

Israeli authorities later escalated measures against the agency, passing a law to cut water and electricity supplies to UNRWA facilities.