Public commenter urges intervention to protect UNRWA operations in Gaza as Knesset law nears effect

A public speaker told the meeting that legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset will cripple the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operations in the occupied Palestinian territory in two days, threatening humanitarian support for millions.

The speaker said UNRWA is the largest U.N. presence in Gaza, with 13,000 personnel and about 300 premises, and called on the audience to intervene to preserve the agency’s role. "In the wake of the ceasefire, we must contend with the devastation of the last 15 months and the enormity of the challenges ahead. UNHWA is the largest UN presence in Gaza with 13000 personnel and 300 premises. The agency is critical for supporting a shattered population and the ceasefire," the speaker said. (Transcript spelling rendered as in original; agency referred to in this article as UNRWA.)

The speaker urged three specific steps: push back against implementation of the Knesset legislation; insist on a clear political path that defines UNRWA’s role as a provider of education and health care; and prevent an abrupt end to UNRWA’s operations because of a financial crisis. "I'm seeking your decisive intervention in support of peace and stability in the occupied Palestinian territory and the broader region. First, push back against the implementation of the Knesset legislation. ... Second, insist on a genuine political path forward that delineates UNWA's role as a provider of education and health care. ... Finally, ensure that the financial crisis does not abruptly end UNRWA's life saving work," the speaker said.

The remarks were presented during the meeting’s public comment period and contained no formal motions, votes, or staff directions recorded in the transcript. The transcript did not specify the exact name or text of the Knesset legislation referred to, nor did it provide further details about the law’s measures. The speaker characterized the timeline as "in 2 days" from the time of the comment. The speaker also warned that the agency’s financial shortfall threatens its ability to continue operations but did not provide specific funding figures beyond the operational-staff and premises counts cited above.

The comments framed UNRWA as central to humanitarian relief and to sustaining the ceasefire, and called for external intervention to protect the agency’s capacity and to press for a political track that defines UNRWA’s service role. No committee action, board directive, or formal vote on the issue appears in the meeting record provided.