The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has stated that Israel’s presence in East Jerusalem is “illegal and must end as soon as possible.” This statement comes in response to Israeli authorities commencing the demolition of parts of the UNRWA compound in the city.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, asserted that the Israeli government possesses no legal rights to the property housing the agency’s facilities. He emphasized that the compound is a United Nations facility and enjoys immunity, therefore, should not be violated under international laws and agreements pertaining to UN facilities.
The Commissioner-General described the Israeli action as a new level of blatant and deliberate defiance of international law, demanding that Israel immediately halt the demolitions. He added that demolishing buildings within the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem constitutes a “deliberate disregard for international law and the United Nations.”
Israeli authorities, reportedly with the participation of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, began demolition operations within the UNRWA compound in occupied Jerusalem.
Finland has also condemned the demolition. The Finnish Foreign Ministry stated that the demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem is unacceptable. Finland urged Israel to return to protecting and respecting international law and the sanctity of United Nations buildings.
“UNRWA must be allowed to continue its vital humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank,” the ministry added.
This demolition of parts of the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem occurs amidst an ongoing escalation against the agency since the start of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Israel has launched media and political campaigns against UNRWA, accusing some of its employees of affiliation with Hamas. These accusations have led to calls from ministers and Knesset members to reconsider the agency’s role, alleging that it undermines Israel’s security.
The Knesset approved a law prohibiting UNRWA’s operations and preventing Israeli authorities from communicating with it, followed by another law at the end of December cutting off electricity and water services.
