Israel has begun the demolition of the headquarters for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) located in East Jerusalem, following the enactment of laws that restrict the agency's activities.
Footage captured police and officials from the Israel Land Authority entering the property with bulldozers and heavy machinery, initiating the demolition process. The Israel Land Authority stated that law enforcement had 'secured full possession of the property and commenced clearing the site.'
UNRWA has vehemently condemned this action, labeling it 'an unprecedented assault on a United Nations agency and its premises.' In a statement shared on X, the agency indicated that the demolition marked a 'new level of open and willful defiance of international law,' highlighting violations of the privileges and immunities that are accorded to the United Nations.
According to the UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities, a treaty Israel ratified in 1949, UN sites are considered inviolable and free from any activities such as searches, seizures, or other forms of interference.
East Jerusalem was taken from Jordan during the 1967 war and subsequently annexed by Israel in 1980. Even though Israel claims the entire city as its 'eternal capital,' most of the international community and legal frameworks recognize East Jerusalem as occupied territory, which Palestinians assert as the future capital of an independent state.
Israel's foreign ministry maintains that the land is state-owned, arguing that UNRWA had ceased all operations at that location, with no UN personnel or activities left. The ministry contended that the site had lost its immunity and stated that the takeover was conducted under both Israeli and international law, categorically describing UNRWA as 'a breeding ground for terrorism,' a claim the agency has consistently rejected.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of supporting Hamas and has escalated its efforts against the agency since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Israeli officials have noted alleged participation of some UNRWA staff members in hostile actions and asserted that facilities belonging to the agency in Gaza were misused for militant activities and to hide hostages.
In late 2024, legislation was passed in Israel that prohibited UNRWA's activities within the country and severed all formal relations with the agency. Further laws enacted in December 2025 prohibited the supply of water and electricity to UNRWA properties and allowed the government to reclaim land from their locations in East Jerusalem. Another UNRWA facility in the Kfar 'Aqab area is anticipated to face similar actions.
Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, visited the site of the demolition and referred to it as 'a historic day,' framing the action as the restoration of governance in Jerusalem.
The demolitions have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations. Secretary- General Antonio Guterres called on Israel to promptly cease the destruction and return the UNRWA facility and other agency properties to the United Nations.
The Palestinian Authority has also condemned the demolition, describing it as a 'serious violation of all norms and rules of international law' and calling for intervention from the UN and its member states to halt the demolitions.
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