Lights off for UNRWA: Israel’s Energy Minister cuts electricity and water for terror-linked organization

Israeli officials say the legislation was driven by findings from the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza indicating that roughly 10% of UNRWA employees there had ties to Hamas.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered Israel’s electricity and water providers on Monday to begin cutting off infrastructure services to facilities operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), launching a new enforcement phase under recently approved legislation aimed at forcing the organization to cease operations in Israel.

Under the directive, the Israel Electric Corporation and Jerusalem’s water utility Hagihon were instructed to issue formal pre-disconnection notices to UNRWA-owned public buildings in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ma’alot Dafna and Kafr Aqab, while preparing to sever electricity and water supplies. Cohen also directed officials to identify additional UNRWA properties that may fall under the law’s provisions.

The move follows the Knesset’s passage last week of an amendment tightening restrictions on UNRWA, expanding a ban first enacted in October 2024.

The updated legislation, approved by a 59–7 vote, bars the provision of electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, and financial services to any UNRWA facility or employee operating within Israel.

Cohen described the measure as part of a broader campaign to shut down what he labeled a hostile organization, referring to UNRWA as a “terror supporter.” He said the government intends to implement the law in full, including provisions allowing for the expropriation of two UNRWA-leased properties in Jerusalem that house the agency’s headquarters and a major vocational training center. The law authorizes their seizure without initiating separate legal or administrative proceedings.

The amendment was co-sponsored by MKs Yulia Malinovsky of Yisrael Beytenu and Limor Son-Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit. Son-Har-Melech welcomed its passage, accusing the agency of direct involvement in the October 7 attacks. “UNRWA is a terrorist organization that was a full partner in the massacre, abduction and murder on October 7,” she said. “Today, the State of Israel made it clear in no uncertain terms that it has no place within its borders.” She added, “We didn’t come to make declarations, but to change reality on the ground and restore national sovereignty and honor.”

Israeli officials say the legislation was driven by findings from the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza indicating that roughly 10% of UNRWA employees there had ties to Hamas, along with testimony from released hostages who said they were held by UNRWA personnel. The IDF has also reported discovering terror tunnels beneath UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters that were powered by electricity drawn from the facility.

UNRWA has rejected the allegations, acknowledging only isolated cases of staff affiliation with Hamas and insisting that it retains a UN mandate to continue its operations and aid delivery to Palestinians.