Israel Commences Demolition of UN Agency Headquarters in East Jerusalem
Israeli authorities have initiated the demolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. This action follows the enactment of legislation that prohibits the agency's activities within the country.
Enforcement Operation and Initial Response
Footage from the scene showed police forces and officers from the Israel Land Authority arriving at the compound with bulldozers and heavy engineering equipment. The Israel Land Authority stated that law enforcement had secured full possession of the property and began clearing the premises as part of the demolition process.
UNRWA strongly condemned the move, labeling it an unprecedented attack against a United Nations agency and its premises. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the agency asserted that the demolition represents a new level of open and deliberate defiance of international law, including violations of the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations.
Legal and Historical Context
Under the UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities, which Israel joined in 1949, UN facilities are considered inviolable and immune from search, confiscation, expropriation, or other forms of interference. East Jerusalem was captured by Israel from Jordan during the 1967 war and later annexed in 1980. While Israel regards the entire city as its eternal capital, international law and most of the global community view East Jerusalem as occupied territory, with Palestinians claiming it as the capital of a future independent state.
Israeli Justifications and Allegations
Israel's foreign ministry argued that the land belongs to the state and claimed that UNRWA had already ceased operations at the site, with no UN staff or activities remaining there. The ministry contended that the compound no longer enjoyed immunity and described the seizure as carried out in accordance with Israeli and international law. It further characterized UNRWA as a greenhouse for terrorism, an allegation the agency has repeatedly denied.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of aiding Hamas and has intensified its campaign against the agency since the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Israeli officials have cited alleged involvement of some UNRWA employees and claimed the agency's facilities in Gaza were used for attacks and to conceal hostages.
Legislative Background and Future Actions
In late 2024, Israel passed legislation banning UNRWA operations in the country and cutting official ties with the agency. Additional laws passed in December 2025 prohibited the provision of water and electricity to UNRWA properties and allowed the state to reclaim land from its compounds in East Jerusalem. Another UNRWA site in the Kfar 'Aqab area is expected to face similar action in the near future.
Political Reactions and International Condemnation
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the demolition site, calling it a historic day and describing the move as a restoration of governance in Jerusalem. The demolition drew condemnation from the United Nations, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging Israel to immediately halt the destruction and restore the UNRWA compound and other agency premises to the United Nations.
The Palestinian Authority also denounced the move, calling it a serious breach of all rules and norms of international law and urging the UN and its member states to intervene to stop the demolitions.
