Hamish Falconer said such a move, at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was catastrophic and worsening, would "neither be in Israel's interest or realistic".
His remarks were the strongest criticism yet by a western government minister of the legislation, which could be voted on this week unless the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, intervenes.
Falconer was speaking as a joint statement was released from seven European foreign ministries, including the UK's, urging Israel to drop the bill, saying: "It is crucial that Unrwa and other UN organisations be fully able to deliver humanitarian aid and their assistance to those who need it most, fulfilling their mandates effectively."
This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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