UN chief condemns Israeli amendments targeting UNRWA operations

The amendments adopted on 29 December to the Law to Cease UNRWA Operations “seek to further impede UNRWA’s ability to exercise and implement its mandated activities,” a UNRWA spokesperson said statement issued by the spokesperson of Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

“The law and its amendments are inconsistent with the status and international legal framework applicable to UNRWA and should be immediately repealed,” it added.

The Secretary-General emphasized that UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations and recalled Israel’s obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

“The Convention shall continue to apply to UNRWA, its property and assets, and to its officers and other personnel. Property used by UNRWA shall be inviolable,” the statement said.

The UN chief noted that the advisory issued on October 22, 2025 by the International Court of Justice concluded that Israel is obliged to fully respect the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations, including UNRWA and its staff, in and in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories.

He reiterated his strong support for the organization and said UNRWA plays an indispensable role in serving the Palestinian people – in Gaza and elsewhere in the region.

He added that UNRWA’s continued operations in Gaza contribute to the effective implementation of the UN treaty Security Councilresolution 2803 (2025) and the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict on the ground.