Seven European nations denounce Israeli law targeting UNRWA services
In a joint declaration issued on Monday, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain said the measures threaten the foundations of international law and the United Nations’ role. “Such actions undermine the UN mandate, violate international law, and contravene the findings of the International Court of Justice, while also entailing serious humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees,” the statement said.
The countries urged Israeli authorities to allow established international humanitarian organizations to continue their work in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to any steps that would deregister such groups. The statement stressed that the presence and operations of the United Nations—particularly UNRWA—alongside other humanitarian bodies and NGOs are “essential” to addressing Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
“We underline the obligation to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and to enable the continued functioning of UN humanitarian operations and their partners, in line with IHL (international humanitarian law) and relevant international legal obligations,” the statement said.
It further emphasized: “Respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and for international humanitarian law is imperative.”
The criticism followed recent parliamentary amendments in Israel to the Law to Cease UNRWA Operations, which authorize the cutoff of basic utilities to facilities run by the agency.
The developments come amid a fragile ceasefire framework announced late September 2025, when US President Donald Trump unveiled a multi-point initiative aimed at ending the Gaza war. The plan included a ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, Hamas disarmament, an Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of a technocratic governing body, and the deployment of an international stabilization force.
While the initial phase of the agreement began on Oct. 10, 2025, reports indicate that several provisions have since been breached and that progress toward the second phase has been delayed.
According to figures released by health authorities, hundreds of violations have been recorded since the ceasefire took effect, resulting in the deaths of 420 Palestinians and injuries to 1,184 others.
The truce brought an end to a two-year conflict that left Gaza devastated, during which nearly 71,400 Palestinians—most of them women and children—were killed, and more than 171,200 were wounded, leaving widespread destruction across the enclave.
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