In a bold defense of humanitarian support, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned recent legislative amendments targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The amendments, passed by Israel's Knesset on December 29th, represent a significant challenge to the international agency's operational capabilities in supporting Palestinian refugees. Guterres emphasized that these legal changes are fundamentally inconsistent with established international legal frameworks governing UN agencies.

The UN chief specifically highlighted that the amendments directly seek to impede UNRWA's ability to carry out its mandated humanitarian activities. By invoking the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, Guterres underscored the agency's critical role in providing essential services to displaced Palestinians.

Referencing an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on October 22, 2025, Guterres reminded Israel of its legal obligation to respect UN agency privileges and immunities, particularly in occupied territories. The opinion explicitly affirms that UNRWA and its personnel must be granted full operational protections.

Reaffirming the agency's indispensable humanitarian mission, Guterres stressed that UNRWA plays a crucial role in serving Palestinian populations not just in Gaza, but across the entire region. The organization's continued operations are particularly vital in implementing UN Security Council resolution 2803 and supporting the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

The UN Secretary-General's robust statement represents a significant diplomatic intervention, emphasizing the international community's commitment to protecting humanitarian assistance channels and ensuring the continued support of vulnerable refugee populations.