In a move condemned as a violation of international law, Israeli forces demolished offices and facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday. This action is the latest in a series of escalations targeting the UN agency.
The Palestinian Governorate of Jerusalem released a statement asserting that Israeli forces raised the Israeli flag over the UNRWA building in Sheikh Jarrah, characterizing the act as a dangerous escalation and a direct attack on a UN agency with international immunity.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly participated in the demolition, calling it a “historic day and an important holiday for Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem.”
According to Israeli Army Radio, the demolition was carried out in accordance with a new law passed by the Knesset mandating the severing of ties with UNRWA.
Analysts suggest that Israel’s demolition of UNRWA facilities in occupied East Jerusalem aims to undermine the Palestinian right of return. Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, stated that Israel aims to erase its past crimes.
Furthermore, the move seeks to cripple essential services provided by the UN agency to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. UNRWA provides a significant portion of basic services, including education and healthcare, in these territories. Barghouti also contends that Israel is pursuing the complete Judaization of Jerusalem and the annexation of the West Bank.
This escalation targets the United Nations, international law, and the international system, a dangerous development, according to Barghouti. He notes that it coincides with Israel’s withdrawal, similar to its American ally, from several UN institutions.
Notably, this is not the first instance of Israel targeting UNRWA. Dissatisfaction with the agency dates back to 1948 because it perpetuates the issue of Palestinian refugees, according to Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, an academic and expert on Israeli affairs. He highlighted a law passed by the Israeli Knesset in October.
