Summary
A Knesset bill for second reading and third reading, in an unofficial Adalah translation, which would expire UNRWA’s invitation under the 14 June 1967 exchange of letters between Israel and UNRWA on 7 October 2024, bar state authorities, entities and public office-holders from any contact with UNRWA or its representatives, and preserve criminal proceedings against UNRWA employees, including under the Counter-Terrorism Law, 5776-2016; the file does not present the bill as enacted (Bill for the Cessation of UNRWA Activities, 5784–2024 (and Bill for the Cessation of UNRWA Activities in the Territory of the State of Israel, 5784–2024), PDF p.1).
Details
- Termination (section 1, PDF p.1): UNRWA’s invitation, based on the exchange of letters dated 6 Sivan 5727 (14 June 1967), cited at footnote 1 as Treaties No. 22, p. 411, shall expire on 5 Tishrei 5785 (7 October 2024); the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall notify the United Nations of the expiration within seven days of its passage in the Knesset.
- Non-contact (section 2, PDF p.1): authorities of the state, including entities and individuals holding public positions by law, shall not maintain any contact with UNRWA or with its representatives. No territorial limit is stated in this section.
- Retention of laws (section 3, PDF p.1): nothing in the bill shall supersede any criminal proceedings against UNRWA employees, including in relation to the events of 7 October 2023 or the “Iron Swords” War, or any other criminal proceedings under the Counter-Terrorism Law, 5776-2016, cited at footnote 2 as Book of Laws 5776, p. 898, or the exercise of powers against them within such proceedings.
- Commencement (section 4, PDF p.1): three months from the date of publication, except that section 1 commences on 5 Tishrei 5785 (7 October 2024) or on the date of publication, whichever is later.
- Reporting (section 5, PDF p.1): the head of the National Security Council or his representative shall report to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee once every six months, and once every two months during the first year from commencement, on implementation.
Where sources disagree
- Resolution ES-10/25 deplores the Knesset legislation of 28 October 2024 and demands UNRWA’s unimpeded operation. This file is a bill for second reading and third reading, headed 15/01/2024 as printed, and does not state that it was enacted or that it is the 28 October 2024 legislation; both are kept, and the relationship is held open on the source page.
Related pages
Bill for the Cessation of UNRWA Activities, 5784–2024 (and Bill for the Cessation of UNRWA Activities in the Territory of the State of Israel, 5784–2024), Bill for the Cessation of UNRWA Activities in the Territory of the State of Israel, 5784–2024, UNRWA, Knesset, Counter-Terrorism Law, 5776-2016