Israeli bulldozers demolish UNRWA’s east Jerusalem headquarters, drawing UN condemnation as 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 against UNRWA and its premises”. He said the action “constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations”.
Israeli forces entered the compound shortly after 7:00 am local time and ejected security guards before demolition began.
UNRWA’s director in the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, suggested the move was political. He told AFP “it seems the intent is to seize the land for settlement construction as has openly been stated by Israeli officials for many years”.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir briefly visited the site, calling it “a historic day, a day of celebration and a very important day for governance in Jerusalem”. He added, “This is what will happen to every supporter of terrorism.”
Israel has long accused UNRWA of providing cover for Hamas militants. The Israeli foreign ministry defended the demolitions, stating “the State of Israel owns the Jerusalem compound”. It argued the compound “does not enjoy any immunity” as UNRWA had ceased operations there.
The compound has been empty since January 2025 when an Israeli law banning UNRWA’s operations took effect. The UN rejected Israel’s ownership claim, insisting the site “remains United Nations property and is protected by the privileges and immunities of the UN”.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini denounced the action on social media as another attempt “to erase the Palestine Refugee identity”. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority condemned the “deliberate escalation”, warning it undermined international protection for refugees.
Jordan’s and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministries issued strong condemnations, calling the demolition a violation of international law. The compound was originally an Ottoman-era prison before being transferred to UNRWA by Jordan.
