AMMAN/ISTANBUL
Jordan on Monday condemned an Israeli law to cut electricity and water supplies to offices of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) as a violation of international law and UN protections.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the law “undermines the agency’s ability to deliver vital humanitarian services, including by allowing the seizure of its property and barring basic services to its facilities.”
It called the law “a violation of the immunities and privileges granted to UN organizations” and a “blatant breach of international law.”
“Such legislation forms part of a systematic campaign against UNRWA and reflects continued Israeli efforts to politically dismantle the agency,” the ministry said, calling the measures “illegal and invalid.”
“The actions violate relevant international laws and agreements and target the symbolic role of UNRWA in upholding Palestinian refugees’ right of return and compensation under international law.”
The ministry warned of the consequences of “the illegal Israeli measures against UNRWA and its institutions,” saying the UN agency “provides indispensable services that cannot be replaced.”
It urged the international community to meet its legal and moral responsibilities by confronting Israeli decisions targeting UNRWA and providing the political and financial support needed for the agency to continue its work.
The Israeli Knesset earlier Monday gave final approval to a bill to cut electricity and water supplies to the UNRWA offices, with the measure taking effect immediately.
According to Army Radio, lawmakers approved the bill in its second and third readings, with 59 Knesset members voting in favor and seven opposed in the 120-seat parliament.
Under Israeli law, legislation must pass three readings in the Knesset before it becomes binding.
In October 2024, the Knesset also gave final approval to a separate law banning UNRWA activities in Israel, citing allegations that some of the agency’s staff took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, events – claims the UN agency denies.
UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly more than 70 years ago to assist Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their land.