Israeli bulldozers demolish UNRWA’s east Jerusalem compound, sparking UN condemnation of an “unprecedented attack” and violation of international law.
JERUSALEM: Israeli bulldozers began demolishing the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in east Jerusalem on Tuesday.
UNRWA spokesman Jonathan Fowler called it an “unprecedented attack” and a serious violation of international law.
Israeli forces entered the compound shortly after 7 am and ejected security guards before demolition began.
“What happens today to UNRWA can happen tomorrow to any other international organisation or diplomatic mission around the world,” Fowler added.
UNRWA’s director in the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, called the move political.
“It seems the intent is to seize the land for settlement construction as has openly been stated by Israeli officials for many years,” he told AFP.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the site, calling it a historic day.
“For years, these supporters of terrorism were here, and today they are being removed,” he said in a statement.
Israel has repeatedly accused UNRWA of providing cover for Hamas militants.
The Israeli foreign ministry defended the action, stating “the State of Israel owns the Jerusalem compound”.
It said the compound, empty since a 2025 law banned UNRWA operations there, “does not enjoy any immunity”.
Friedrich rejected this, insisting the compound “remains United Nations property” protected by UN immunities.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini denounced the demolition on X as an attempt to “erase the Palestine Refugee identity”.
Jordan’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the action as a blatant violation of international law.
The compound was a prison during the Ottoman Empire before being transferred to UNRWA by Jordan.
