UN Chief 'Warns' Israel, Again – Third Time's The Charm?
Guterres's latest communication (per Al-Monitor) warns Israel about laws targeting UNRWA and the seizure of its assets. This isn't groundbreaking; the UN chief previously issued a similar 'warning' in November 2023, following an October threat to refer matters to the ICJ. One might wonder how many more 'final warnings' are issued before the international mechanisms purportedly designed to prevent
mass atrocities kick in, or if the process itself is the punishment. Meanwhile, the US House, with significant backing from Congressional members who collectively received millions from lobbying groups like AIPAC – for example, Rep. Steny Hoyer, the top recipient, took over $1.7 million from pro-Israel groups (OpenSecrets.org, 2022 cycle) – has consistently voted to increase aid to Israel while
simultaneously cutting funding to UNRWA. It appears some warnings carry less weight than campaign contributions. And frankly, 'targeting' UNRWA sounds a lot nicer than 'disassembling the primary lifeline for a besieged population.'