Cairo: In a statement issued by the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector of the General Secretariat of the Arab League, the bloc said the law represents a continuation of “illegal legislation” adopted by the Israeli Knesset aimed at banning UNRWA’s work in the occupied territories.

The Arab League described Israel’s decision as a blatant violation of the privileges accorded to United Nations organizations and a direct challenge to resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, particularly those linked to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations toward UN bodies and international organizations operating in occupied Palestinian land.

Warning of “disastrous repercussions,” the League said the law, effective immediately upon ratification, would severely undermine United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and its ability to fulfil its UN mandate. This includes providing essential and irreplaceable services to Palestinian refugees, especially in the Gaza Strip, as well as playing a critical role in reconstruction efforts.

The Arab League called on the international community, including states, institutions and organizations, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities by confronting Israeli practices targeting UNRWA. It urged the adoption of punitive measures to compel Israel to reverse the law and comply with international law and internationally recognised resolutions.

The statement followed Israel’s approval on Monday of legislation barring the provision of electricity and water services to UNRWA offices in the occupied territories. Tensions between Israel and the agency have escalated since the October 7, 2023 attack, after Israel accused some UNRWA employees of involvement in terrorist acts, allegations that led several Western countries to temporarily suspend funding before resuming support following UN investigations that rejected most of the claims.