Jerusalem: Israeli energy minister Eli Cohen announced he will 'personally' supervise the disconnection of water and electricity to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) offices in occupied East Jerusalem. Cohen shared this plan during an interview with Israel's Radio 103 FM, stating his intention to visit East Jerusalem to oversee the utility disconnections at UNRWA-run facilities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cohen accused the UN agency of acting as 'an arm of Hamas,' an allegation that UNRWA has repeatedly rejected. This development follows a decision by Israel's Knesset at the end of 2025 to cut utilities to UNRWA facilities, a move that was preceded by a 2024 decision to prohibit the agency from operating within the occupied city and Israel.

UNRWA was created in 1949 by a UN General Assembly vote and is tasked with providing aid and protection to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza. In another statement, Cohen, who is also a member of Israel's Security Cabinet, criticized any potential US agreement with Iran, labeling it as merely a 'temporary pause' until US President Donald Trump leaves office in 2028.

Israel has exerted pressure on the US to address Tehran's missile program and its regional affiliations in negotiations with Iran, beyond focusing solely on nuclear activities. President Trump has threatened military action against Iran amidst escalating tensions since the onset of anti-government protests in Iran in late December, triggered by deteriorating economic conditions.

Iran, in response, has accused the US of exploiting sanctions, pressure, and unrest as a pretext for foreign intervention with the aim of regime change and warned of a 'comprehensive and unprecedented' response to any military attack.