"The vote by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) against [UNRWA] this evening is unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent. It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law," Lazzarini said on X.
The UNRWA head added that the bills would only "deepen the suffering of Palestinians," especially in the Gaza Strip.
Such moves discredit UNRWA and delegitimize the agency's role in providing human development assistance and services to Palestinian refugees, Lazzarini said.
A number of states, including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom have spoken out against the possible ban on UNRWA in Israel.
On October 28, the Knesset reportedly approved two bills aimed at blocking UNRWA's activities in areas under Israeli control. The bills received 92 votes in favor and 10 votes against. Israel has repeatedly claimed that the UN agency's staff have ties to Palestinian movement Hamas.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters from the Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The death toll from the Israeli attacks has surpassed 43,000, according to local health authorities.