The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, expressed grave concern today following the adoption of amendments to the Law to Cease UNRWA Operations. Through a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General warned that these legislative changes seek to further obstruct the Agency’s ability to execute its vital humanitarian mandate.
“The vote by the Israeli parliament on 29 December 2025 passing new legislation against UNRWA is outrageous. It is a direct affront to the mandate granted to the Agency by the UN General Assembly and contrary to findings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which… pic.twitter.com/6tomQEoldS
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 30, 2025
Legal Inconsistency and International Obligations
The Secretary-General asserted that the Law and its recent amendments are fundamentally inconsistent with the international legal framework applicable to UNRWA. He reminded the State of Israel of its binding obligations under:
- The Charter of the United Nations: To which all member states are signatories.
- The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations: Which mandates that UNRWA’s property and assets are inviolable and its personnel protected.
“The Convention remains applicable to UNRWA, its property, and its assets,” the statement emphasized. “The Law must be immediately repealed to remain in alignment with international law.”
ICJ Advisory Opinion and Regional Security
The UN chief highlighted the October 22, 2025, advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which concluded that Israel is legally obligated to respect the privileges and immunities accorded to UNRWA and its staff within the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Furthermore, the Secretary-General underscored that UNRWA’s presence is a cornerstone of regional stability. The Agency’s continued operations are essential for:
- Gaza Conflict Resolution: Supporting the implementation of Security Council resolution 2803 (2025).
- The Comprehensive Plan: Facilitating the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” on the ground.
- Humanitarian Service: Providing indispensable aid to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza and across the region.
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Call to Action
Reiterating his unwavering support for the Agency, the Secretary-General called upon the international community to uphold the integrity of the United Nations and ensure that UNRWA can continue its lifesaving work without political or legislative impediment.
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