High Court questions factual basis of petition against UNRWA restrictions

The High Court of Justice on Monday questioned the factual basis of a petition challenging legislation that restricts UNRWA's operations in Israeli territory. The court, including Justice Ofer Grosskopf, repeatedly asked for evidence demonstrating concrete harm to specific individuals caused by the laws, which were passed in October 2024 and amended in December 2025. The petitioners, represented by Attorney Suhad Bishara, argued that the laws violate the rights of Palestinians dependent on UNRWA for essential services, citing a petitioner from Shuafat refugee camp no longer receiving medication. However, the judges emphasized the need for updated affidavits and specific proof of how services deteriorated for particular individuals due to the legislation, rather than general claims of harm to UNRWA's operations. The court has given the petitioners 10 days to provide a response, and the petition remains pending.