Israel carried out the demolition of structures within the compound of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, following the seizure of the site last year. The act was strongly criticized by the agency as a violation of international law. Under the watch of Israeli forces, bulldozers razed several large buildings and smaller structures inside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound, where numerous agency staff had previously operated.
UNRWA, accused by Israel of bias, had not utilized the building since the beginning of last year when Israel directed it to vacate all premises and halt operations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced Israel’s actions, urging an immediate halt to the demolition and the prompt restoration of the compound and other UNRWA facilities to the United Nations. According to Jonathan Fowler, a spokesperson for UNRWA, Israeli forces entered the compound in the early morning hours, expelled security guards, and brought in bulldozers.
Roland Friedrich, the West Bank director of the agency, reported that demolition crews and police arrived at the East Jerusalem headquarters early on Tuesday. He stated that the day’s events were the culmination of two years of hostility and measures against UNRWA in East Jerusalem. Additionally, forces started firing tear gas at a vocational school for young Palestinians later in the day, affecting over 300 young refugees receiving vocational training in technology and welding. The Palestinian Authority’s Jerusalem governate noted incidents where children were affected by tear gas, including a 15-year-old hit in the eye with a rubber bullet.
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini described the demolition as part of a series of Israeli actions against the organization, such as a recent raid on a medical clinic and plans to cut off power and water to other facilities in the near future. He condemned the demolition as a blatant disregard for international law and a new level of defiance. Former UNRWA staff mentioned that the structures demolished had stored aid for the West Bank and Gaza.
Israel’s parliament passed a law in October 2024 barring UNRWA from operating in the country and prohibiting officials from engaging with the agency. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated the demolition on social media, calling it a historic day.
Accusations of bias have been raised by Israel, claiming some UNRWA staff were Hamas members who participated in an attack in 2023, leading to casualties on both sides. UNRWA acknowledged firing some staff but demanded evidence for all allegations. Lazzarini accused Israel of conducting a misinformation campaign against UNRWA.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the compound seizure was in compliance with Israeli and international law. Last year, Israel’s Jerusalem municipality raided the compound, alleging UNRWA’s failure to pay property taxes despite warnings. UNRWA refuted the claim of debts to the municipality. The agency operates in East Jerusalem, considered occupied territory by the UN and most nations, while Israel regards all of Jerusalem as part of its territory. UNRWA serves in Gaza, the West Bank, and other regions, offering education, healthcare, social services, and shelter to millions of Palestinians.