Knesset Passes Law Reducing Utilities to UN Refugee Agency
12/30/2025 1:30:00 PM
The Israeli Knesset on Monday gave final approval to a bill to cut electricity and water supplies to offices of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), 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.
The move comes as Palestinians’ reliance on UNRWA services has grown following two years of Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, before a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10.
During the voting session, Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen defended the bill, alleging that UNRWA served as an operational arm of Hamas.
Cohen dismissed the agency’s humanitarian role in serving millions of Palestinian refugees, saying an organization he claimed fosters incitement and violence "has no right to continue to exist," according to Israeli media.
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.
The move comes as Palestinians’ reliance on UNRWA services has grown following two years of Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, before a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10.
During the voting session, Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen defended the bill, alleging that UNRWA served as an operational arm of Hamas.
Cohen dismissed the agency’s humanitarian role in serving millions of Palestinian refugees, saying an organization he claimed fosters incitement and violence "has no right to continue to exist," according to Israeli media.