Israeli forces have demolished the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from the UN and human rights organizations. The demolition, which involved bulldozers leveling structures within the compound, is seen by critics as a significant escalation and a violation of international law.
Escalation and Condemnation
Israeli crews, accompanied by police, entered the UNRWA compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood early Tuesday morning. The agency reported that staff devices were confiscated and personnel were forced out before the demolition began. An Israeli flag was seen hoisted above the facility, with some Israeli politicians present to celebrate the event. Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called it “a historic day.”
UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, described the demolition as an “unprecedented attack” and “a new level of open & deliberate defiance of international law.” He warned that what happens to UNRWA could happen to any other international organization or diplomatic mission worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the demolition “in the strongest terms,” reiterating that the compound is UN property and “inviolable and immune from any form of interference.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed “outrage” at the incident.
Israel’s Justification and UNRWA’s Role
Israel’s foreign ministry defended the demolition, stating that UNRWA “has long ceased to be a humanitarian aid organization, serving instead as a greenhouse for terrorism.” The ministry asserted that the compound “does not enjoy any immunity” and that the seizure was in accordance with Israeli and international law. Israel has previously accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas, a charge the agency denies.
Founded in 1949, UNRWA provides vital aid and services to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The agency has faced increasing pressure from Israel, including legislation passed in 2024 that banned its operations within what Israel defines as its territory, including East Jerusalem. This ban followed accusations, including a US intelligence assessment with “low confidence,” that some UNRWA staff may have participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Broader Implications
The demolition of the UNRWA headquarters comes amid a broader crackdown by Israel on humanitarian organizations operating in the Palestinian territories. New legislation requires NGOs to dismiss staff accused of activities deemed to “delegitimize Israel” or support boycotts. Aid groups have expressed concerns that these measures, along with the demolition, will disproportionately affect a civilian population already facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN has previously warned that Israel could be referred to the International Court of Justice if it does not reverse laws targeting UNRWA and return seized assets.