CAIRO, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League (AL) condemned Israel's Knesset on Tuesday for ratifying a law cutting electricity and water to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) offices.
In a statement, the AL called the move part of a long-standing campaign targeting UNRWA, saying it builds on previous legislation aimed at banning the agency's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It described the law as a "flagrant violation" of the immunities and privileges of UN organizations and a defiance of a UN General Assembly resolution reflecting the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's obligations in the territories, including East Jerusalem.
The AL warned the law, effective immediately, could have "catastrophic repercussions" and undermine UNRWA's ability to deliver essential services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, where the agency plays a key role in reconstruction efforts.
It urged the international community to uphold legal and moral responsibilities and oppose Israeli measures targeting UNRWA.
On Monday, the Knesset passed the law in a final reading, 59-7, banning electricity and water provision to all UNRWA-operated facilities. The agency runs hundreds of schools and health centers across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under a UN mandate.
Israel has alleged that more than 10 percent of UNRWA's staff in Gaza have ties to Hamas and other Palestinian militants. The UN agency has repeatedly denied the claim. ■
