Israeli forces demolish UNRWA buildings in occupied East al-Quds

Israeli forces have demolished structures at the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East al-Quds, drawing strong condemnation from the UN agency, which labeled the action as an unprecedented breach of international law.

In a statement released on Tuesday, UNRWA reported that Israeli troops invaded its compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, confiscated equipment from staff, and forcibly expelled employees before demolishing buildings within the premises.

“This is an unprecedented attack not only against UNRWA and its premises. It constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations,” the agency said.

Local sources, as reported by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, indicated that Israeli troops, accompanied by bulldozers, sealed off surrounding streets and increased their military presence before entering the compound.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini noted that Israeli lawmakers and regime officials were present during the operation, stressing that the action is part of broader efforts to “erase the Palestine refugee identity.”

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Lazzarini warned that the latest demolition sets a dangerous precedent, further intensifying concerns over Israel’s increasing crackdown on humanitarian organizations assisting Palestinians.

“What happens today to UNRWA will happen tomorrow to any other international organization or diplomatic mission,” he said.

Israel has long accused UNRWA of pro-Palestinian bias and alleged ties to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, claims the agency has repeatedly denied, saying no evidence has been presented.

Israel’s foreign ministry claimed the demolition was carried out in line with a law prohibiting UNRWA’s activities.

Israel’s far-right security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, affirmed his presence at the site, calling it a “historic day.”

The demolition comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s restrictions on aid groups operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

In recent weeks, Israel has revoked the licenses of at least 37 international organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Norwegian Refugee Council, citing non-compliance with new regulations requiring detailed disclosures on staff, funding, and operations.

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Separately, Hamas issued a statement condemning the demolition, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international laws,” urging strong and unequivocal international condemnation of the “reckless criminal act.”

Hamas went on to say that immediate actions need to be taken to compel the occupying authorities to cease their targeting of UNRWA and its facilities, allowing the organization to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in its UN mandate.

“The safety of UNRWA must be ensured as it serves as an international witness to the plight of our refugees and their rights, particularly the right of return. We must prevent the occupation from undermining its crucial role or erasing its necessary presence,” it said.

The resistance group further noted that this “criminal act” signifies an unprecedented level of official arrogance and a blatant disregard for the UN and its agencies.

Hamas also called for international legal measures against Israeli leaders for their ongoing violations against the Palestinian people.

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