TEL AVIV, November 19, 2025 (WAFA) — The Israeli Knesset approved in its first reading on Wednesday a government bill amending the law on suspending UNRWA activities, with 28 members voting in favor and 8 against. The bill was referred to the relevant Knesset committee for further consideration.

The amendment stipulates that water and electricity providers will not supply any property registered under UNRWA as the consumer. It also grants the state authority to take control of lands registered with the Israel Land Authority that are used by UNRWA.

The amendment follows a previous Knesset law prohibiting any connection between state authorities and UNRWA, which raised debate over whether water and electricity services fall under this “connection.” 

The new bill clarifies that the prohibition also applies to vital services, including supplying UNRWA properties with water and electricity, and allows the state to seize properties used by the agency, particularly in occupied Jerusalem.

The proposed legislation is seen as part of broader Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA’s work and attempts to marginalize the Palestinian refugee issue.

M.N