The Israeli occupation has decided to cut off electricity and water to the offices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), according to a statement made Tuesday by Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen and reported by Israeli outlet ICE.

Cohen claimed that the decision was based on accusations that UNRWA was allegedly involved in the October 7 Al-Aqsa Flood operation, stating that the move aims to "halt the organization’s activities directed at Israel." 

He added that the Knesset had previously passed a law labeling UNRWA as a terrorist organization, a designation widely rejected by the international community and humanitarian bodies.

Malnutrition rising in Gaza

The announcement comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, where UNRWA recently reported a sharp rise in malnutrition cases since the imposition of a full blockade by the Israeli regime in March.

In a statement released Sunday, July 13, the agency said that its medical teams in Gaza documented a growing number of malnourished children and adults, with the health crisis deepening due to severe shortages of essential supplies.

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Despite the dire circumstances, UNRWA teams continue to operate across Gaza to assist the most vulnerable segments of the population. The agency warned that the blockade is preventing life-saving medical treatment and contributing to the rapid deterioration of public health conditions.

UN official accuses 'Israel' of starvation campaign

Earlier this month, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini accused the Israeli occupation of intentionally starving Gaza’s population by blocking humanitarian aid. He stated that at least 800 civilians were martyred while attempting to access food and basic necessities.

Lazzarini described the siege as a deliberate policy to deny Palestinians access to survival, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

UNRWA is near financial collapse

In 2025, UNRWA faces what it describes as a critical financial crisis. The agency began the year with zero financial reserves and $35 million in liabilities. The situation is further complicated by rising humanitarian needs due to "Israel's" ongoing war on Gaza.

UNRWA’s budget requirement for 2025 stands at $1.7 billion, but funding remains significantly below this threshold. In early 2024, 16 donor countries, including the US, Germany, and the UK, suspended contributions following Israeli allegations against UNRWA staff, resulting in the loss of $438 million, more than half of the agency’s expected funding.

Although several donors, such as Germany, the UK, and the EU, have since resumed partial support after internal UN reviews, the funding shortfall continues to threaten core operations, including food, health, and education services.

UNRWA under pressure 

The war has also inflicted heavy losses on UNRWA staff and infrastructure, with over 270 staff members killed and more than 200 facilities damaged or destroyed since October 2023. With continued "Israeli" restrictions on the entry of aid and operational movement, the agency warns of possible service cuts or even collapse if emergency funding is not secured.

UNRWA remains under immense strain due to Israeli constraints on its operations and ongoing political efforts to undermine its legitimacy. Observers warn that this is part of a broader plan to dismantle the agency and erase the Palestinian refugee cause from the international agenda.

Despite these challenges, Lazzarini reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to Palestinian refugees and called on the international community to act urgently to prevent further deterioration in Gaza.