Dear Editor,

I am deeply concerned by the adoption today by the Knesset of Israel of two laws concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which, if implemented, would likely prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as mandated by the UN General Assembly. [One law bans the UNRWA from activity within Israel and the other bans Israeli authorities from any contact with UNRWA — revoking the 1967 treaty that allows the agency to provide services to Palestinian refugees in areas under Israel’s control.]

UNRWA is the principal means by which essential assistance is supplied to Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. There is no alternative to UNRWA.

The implementation of the laws could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees in the that area, which is unacceptable. I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.

The implementation of these laws would be detrimental for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for peace and security in the region as a whole. As I said before, the UNRWA is indispensable.

I am bringing this matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly, and will keep the assembly closely informed as the situation develops.

Antonio Guterres

UN secretary general