Israeli settlers held a provocative celebration in Jerusalem on Thursday following the enforcement of two Knesset laws restricting the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Led by extremist Deputy Mayor Arieh King, settlers marked the closure of UNRWA offices and the suspension of its activities in the city. The decision, which bans the agency’s operations and any contact with it, violates international law, the UN Charter, and UN resolutions.

UNRWA serves over 110,000 Palestinian refugees in Jerusalem, operating schools, medical centres, and refugee camps in Shuafat and Qalandiya. Its forced closure threatens essential services for thousands of vulnerable Palestinians.

Palestinian officials and human rights organisations have condemned the Israeli move, warning that it is part of a broader strategy to erase Palestinian identity in Jerusalem and dismantle international support systems for refugees. They called on the UN and the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights under international law.