Israel’s flag over UNRWA an insult to international law

SEVERAL Malaysian humanitarian and civil society leaders have condemned Israel’s decision to raise its flag over a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility, calling it a blatant insult to international law and a dangerous escalation that undermines the protection of civilians in Gaza.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the signatories described the act as a “gesture dripping with arrogance” and a symbolic challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the global norms governing conduct in armed conflict.

The signatories — including figures from Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), Third World Network (TWN), Pure Hands Malaysia, and Sahabat Alam Malaysia — argued that the flag installation signals Israel’s belief that it can operate “with impunity.”

They attributed that confidence in part to longstanding political cover from the United States, particularly referencing policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump, which they say have “supercharged” Israel’s sense of immunity from accountability.

“By planting its flag on UN premises, Israel is effectively raising its middle finger at the international community, international law, and the very norms that are supposed to shield civilians,” the statement read.

Humanitarian Consequences

UNRWA provides critical assistance to Palestinians, including food, water, education, and basic protection. Disrespecting or targeting its facilities, the signatories stressed, jeopardises humanitarian staff and compounds the hardships faced by families in Gaza.

The statement argued that the incident is part of a broader pattern of pressure and attacks on UN agencies working in the enclave — efforts they believe aim to “erase mechanisms of accountability” and weaken institutions that document rights violations.

Call for International Action

The group urged the United Nations, member states, and regional organisations to issue firm condemnation and demand guarantees that such violations of UN neutrality will not be repeated.

“The protection of civilian life depends on safeguarding the neutrality of humanitarian spaces,” they said. “Raising a flag over UN premises is a show of lawlessness, which the world cannot afford to look away from.”

The statement was signed by:

        •     Nurul Izzah Anwar, Honorary Advisor, Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR)

        •     Charles Santiago, Co-Chair, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)

        •     Chee Yoke Ling, Executive Director, Third World Network (TWN)

        •     Prof. Dr. Mohd Adandi Saleh, Chairman, Pure Hands Malaysia

        •     Jismi Johari, President, Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR)

        •     Meenakshi Raman, President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia – December 10, 2025