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UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini spoke about Israel’s latest interventions targeting UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.

Describing the developments as a deliberate violation of international law, Lazzarini said: “A new step in a pattern of deliberate disregard for international law and the United Nations. Israeli forces raided a UNRWA health center in East Jerusalem. This is a United Nations facility. Israeli authorities then ordered the center to be closed for 30 days, depriving Palestinian refugees of access to basic health services.”

Pointing out that infrastructure services to the facilities are also set to be cut, Lazzarini added: “Meanwhile, the supply of water and electricity to UNRWA facilities (including health and education buildings) is planned to be cut in the coming weeks. This is a direct result of legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in December, further strengthening existing anti-UNRWA laws adopted in 2024.”

Recalling decisions of the International Court of Justice, Lazzarini concluded: “The International Court of Justice’s recent ruling has reaffirmed that the State of Israel is obligated under international law to facilitate UNRWA’s operations, not to obstruct or prevent them.”