The approval by the Israeli Knesset of a bill proposing to end the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Middle East has sparked a reaction from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Guterres expressed deep concern over this development. Highlighting the vital role of UNRWA in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, Guterres emphasized that there is no alternative to the Agency. Guterres warned that the implementation of such laws could have very negative consequences for Palestinian refugees, and called on Israel to act in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and humanitarian law. Guterres also mentioned that he plans to bring up the issue to the UN General Assembly, pointing out that the decision by the Israeli Knesset could have a detrimental impact on the Israel-Palestine conflict and peace efforts in the region. On the other hand, following its attacks on Gaza starting on October 7th, the Israeli government has increased its criticisms of UNRWA, claiming that 14 of the Agency’s employees were involved in the attacks and calling for the closure of UNRWA. Israel continues its campaign to undermine the Agency’s reputation.