Israel Tightens Sanctions Against UNRWA: Electricity, Water, and Bank Connections Cut Off

Summary

The Israeli Parliament has passed a law that denies the UN Palestinian Relief Agency UNRWA access to electricity, water, fuel, and banking services. The measure aims to effectively cripple the organization—with severe consequences for millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The International Court of Justice has already called on Israel to ensure UNRWA's continued operations. In parallel, Donald Trump held talks with Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida and threatened Hamas with consequences.

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Detailed Summary

Israel and UNRWA

The Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, has passed sweeping legislation against the UNRWA. This prohibits providers of electricity, fuel, water, internet, and telephone services from supplying the relief organization. Additionally, the organization is excluded from all banks and financial services. Israeli authorities are granted the right to seize land within 30 days on which UNRWA operates schools and clinics.

This measure is justified by the Israeli government classifying UNRWA as a terrorist organization. It claims that at least 10 percent of UNRWA staff participated in the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023—though the government provides no evidence for this. The International Court of Justice in The Hague, however, has called on Israel to ensure that the UN organization can continue to operate. With the new law, this is practically no longer possible.

The practical consequences are severe: without electricity, water, fuel, and banking connections, UNRWA can barely carry out its activities. This particularly affects the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem—especially during winter, while the region suffers from severe storms.

Foreign editor Susanne Brunner points to the political strategy behind this: some Israeli politicians openly speak of Palestinians leaving the land. In the occupied West Bank, population displacement is already everyday reality. In the Gaza Strip, the population is systematically denied the foundation for a viable future.

Trump and Netanyahu Meet in Florida

President Donald Trump held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the meeting. Topics included the situation in the Gaza Strip. Trump threatened Hamas: it must lay down its weapons, otherwise it will "pay a high price." The second phase of the peace plan provides for Hamas to be disarmed—the terrorist organization, however, refuses this.

The Iran situation was also discussed. Trump expressed support for a possible military strike against Iran should it continue its missile and nuclear programs. In June, Israel waged war against Iran jointly with the United States for twelve days and bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.

USA-Venezuela Conflict

According to President Trump, the United States has attacked a target on Venezuelan mainland. A large explosion occurred in a port area; alleged Venezuelan drug boats and a port facility were destroyed. US broadcaster CNN confirms a CIA drone strike on a port facility off the Venezuelan coast, citing well-informed sources. This would be the first officially known case in which the United States has struck a land target in Venezuela.

Bangladesh: Death of Khaleda Zia

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80 after a lengthy illness. Her party has confirmed the death. Zia was most recently opposition leader, and her political career began after her husband was killed in a coup attempt in the 1980s. In 1991, she became the first woman elected as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Due to alleged embezzlement, she spent several years in prison. Khaleda Zia was considered a long-time rival of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down in summer 2024 following protests. New elections are scheduled for February.

New Year's Fireworks in Switzerland

For many people, fireworks are part of the year-end celebration. In Switzerland, however, only those with appropriate authorization may set off fireworks—proper training is required. Samuel Baumann, president of the examination committee of the Fireworks Interest Group (IG Feuerwerk), reports that in recent years approximately 60 people per year have obtained the small license, which permits the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics up to 50 kilograms. Five to ten people obtain the large license for large-scale fireworks, for which there is no weight limit.

Overall, Baumann estimates that thousands in Switzerland have authorization for large-scale fireworks. These are not only professional providers but also family fathers and club members—from craftspeople to lawyers or doctors. The training covers laws, handling of fireworks, transport, and the greatest accident risk: the safe securing of batteries, proper ignition, and cable connections. Safety aspects are also important, such as sufficient distances from forests and informing the responsible authorities.

Baumann himself came to the fireworks field as a blasting master in construction. He sees Switzerland as a traditional fireworks country but also knows that fireworks are increasingly under pressure—particularly due to noise. However, there are also alternatives such as silent products (e.g., volcanoes) with which beautiful fireworks displays can also be created.

Key Points

• The Israeli Parliament has effectively crippled UNRWA by denying it electricity, water, fuel, and banking services
• The measure violates rulings by the International Court of Justice and affects millions of Palestinians in critical humanitarian situations
• Trump and Netanyahu reaffirm their alliance in Florida; Trump threatens Hamas and Iran with consequences
• The USA confirms drone strikes on Venezuelan targets—an escalatory step in the conflict with Maduro
• Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia has died; new elections are planned for February
• In Switzerland, setting off fireworks requires formal authorization; silent alternatives are gaining importance

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