Israeli forces have begun demolishing buildings inside the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem, drawing sharp international criticism.
UNRWA said Israeli forces stormed the compound on Tuesday, confiscated staff devices, forced employees to leave and bulldozed structures inside the premises. The agency described the move as an unprecedented attack that violates international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the demolitions, warning they were part of a systematic effort to undermine UNRWA’s mandate and international protection for Palestinian refugees. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at a Palestinian trade school later in the day, marking a second incident involving a UN facility.
Israeli officials said the action was carried out under a new law banning UNRWA, which Israel accuses of ties to Hamas — allegations the agency strongly denies. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned the move sets a dangerous precedent for international organisations worldwide.
The demolitions come amid broader Israeli restrictions on international aid groups operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as humanitarian agencies warn the situation for Palestinians continues to deteriorate.
UNRWA said Israeli forces stormed the compound on Tuesday, confiscated staff devices, forced employees to leave and bulldozed structures inside the premises. The agency described the move as an unprecedented attack that violates international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the demolitions, warning they were part of a systematic effort to undermine UNRWA’s mandate and international protection for Palestinian refugees. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at a Palestinian trade school later in the day, marking a second incident involving a UN facility.
Israeli officials said the action was carried out under a new law banning UNRWA, which Israel accuses of ties to Hamas — allegations the agency strongly denies. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned the move sets a dangerous precedent for international organisations worldwide.
The demolitions come amid broader Israeli restrictions on international aid groups operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as humanitarian agencies warn the situation for Palestinians continues to deteriorate.
