Israel Moves to Cut Power and Water to UN Agency in Gaza

Israel's parliament has passed a law allowing the government to cut essential supplies to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. The Knesset approved the bill in its final votes. It gives ministers the power to restrict electricity, water, and fuel to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The agency provides critical aid in Gaza. The law is a direct response to Israeli accusations that some UNRWA staff participated in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7. The UN has launched investigations and some donor countries paused funding. An Israeli minister must now formally declare UNRWA a "terror organization" before the sanctions can be applied. The law also allows for closing the agency's offices in Israel. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian operator in Gaza. It employs thousands of local staff to run schools, clinics, and food distribution centers. Critics warn that cutting its utilities would deepen the crisis for civilians. The Israeli government says the measure is a necessary step against terrorism.