Israel Moves to Cut Power and Water to UN Aid Agency

A key Israeli parliamentary committee has advanced a bill to cut water and electricity supplies to the offices of UNRWA. The vote sends the proposed law to the full parliament, known as the Knesset, for further debate and a final decision. UNRWA is the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. It provides essential services, including schools and healthcare, to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, and across the region. Jordan strongly criticized the proposed Israeli law. A government spokesperson called it a "flagrant violation of international law." They warned the bill would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. If passed, the law would allow Israeli authorities to stop utility services to any UNRWA facility in Israel or East Jerusalem. Supporters of the bill accuse UNRWA of anti-Israeli activities. The agency denies these allegations. The bill's advancement comes amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. The international community watches closely, as UNRWA is a major provider of aid in Gaza.