Seven European states shield compromised UN agency, ignoring Hamas links while Israel protects civilians and sovereignty.
Seven European governments—Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain—issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s legislation prohibiting utilities from supplying electricity and water to UNRWA, revealing a familiar pattern of European moral posturing divorced from hard evidence.
The statement accused Israel of violating international law and undermining humanitarian access, citing the International Court of Justice. Yet it conspicuously ignored documented Israeli evidence that UNRWA personnel collaborated with Hamas, including participation in the October 7, 2023 massacre and the use of UNRWA facilities for terror purposes.
Earlier Monday, Israel’s Minister of Energy Eli Cohen instructed the Israel Electric Corporation and Jerusalem’s water utility to begin disconnection procedures, issuing warnings to UNRWA sites in Ma’alot Dafna and Kafr Aqab. The move implements a law passed by the Knesset last week—an assertion of sovereign responsibility to prevent state infrastructure from enabling terror.
UNRWA’s leadership reacted predictably. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini decried the law as “outrageous,” while downplaying systemic failures. A UN review led by Catherine Colonna acknowledged neutrality problems, even as it hedged on the scale—despite Israel’s disclosures and USAID later revealing UN obstruction of U.S. investigations into Hamas ties.
Testimony from freed hostage Emily Damari—who said she was held at a UNRWA facility—further punctures Europe’s narrative. Still, Brussels-aligned capitals continue to defend UNRWA as “essential,” prioritizing bureaucratic continuity over Israeli civilian safety.
Israel’s position is clear: humanitarian aid must flow, but not through compromised channels. Shielding an agency with proven terror entanglements endangers civilians on both sides. Europe’s statement protects a failed status quo; Israel’s law protects lives.
