Israel Cuts Ties With UN Agencies Over Criticism of Gaza War

Israel has announced it is cutting ties with several United Nations agencies and international organisations, citing their criticism of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had instructed officials to review and, where necessary, halt cooperation with international bodies that Israel accuses of bias. Among those affected is the UN Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, which placed the Israeli military on a blacklist in 2024. Israel also said it was severing relations with UN Women, UNCTAD, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and several other UN-linked initiatives.

The move follows growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Palestinian health authorities say more than 71,000 people have been killed and over 171,000 wounded since October 2023, figures Israel disputes. Despite a ceasefire agreed in October, fighting has continued, according to Gaza officials.

Israel says the UN bodies have issued what it describes as politically motivated and hostile reports, while the United Nations maintains that Israel remains the occupying power in the Palestinian territories.