UN Chief Warns UNRWA Legislation Could Be Catastrophic

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against drafting legislation to restrict the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, calling it a potential 'catastrophe' amid current humanitarian challenges.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding proposed legislative action aimed at restricting the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Guterres described the potential legislation as a 'catastrophe' for the region, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis and increasing tensions in Gaza. He cautioned that preventing UNRWA from operating could lead to further human suffering.

The warning comes as the Israeli parliament has given preliminary approval to a bill that labels UNRWA as a terrorist organization. Israeli leaders claim the agency collaborates with Hamas militants in Gaza, a charge that heightens the stakes of the proposed legislation.