Israeli authorities moved decisively on Tuesday to demolish several structures inside the East Jerusalem compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, a moment that sent shockwaves through diplomatic and humanitarian circles. Witnesses described bulldozers escorted by Israeli forces entering the Sheikh Jarrah site and flattening mobile office buildings used by the agency, transforming what had long been a protected humanitarian space into a contested and damaged zone.
The symbolism of the operation intensified after the demolition, when the United Nations flag was removed from the compound and replaced with an Israeli flag. For observers on the ground and officials abroad, the act went beyond property damage and entered the realm of political messaging, raising alarm over the status of United Nations premises and the security guarantees traditionally afforded to international organisations operating in conflict settings.
Unprecedented Warning From UNRWA Leadership
UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini responded swiftly, describing the demolition as a direct challenge to international norms governing the protection of United Nations institutions. In a public statement issued through social media, he framed the incident as a watershed moment with implications extending far beyond East Jerusalem.
an unprecedented attack against a United Nations agency and its premises
Lazzarini warned that the action represented a dangerous escalation that could place all international organisations at risk if left unchallenged. By targeting a clearly marked UN compound, he said, Israeli authorities had crossed a line that threatens the very framework enabling humanitarian agencies to operate in volatile regions.
Secretary General Condemns And Demands Reversal
The condemnation quickly reached the highest levels of the United Nations. Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a forceful response through his spokesperson, reiterating the organisation’s long held position on the legal status of the Sheikh Jarrah compound and calling for an immediate halt to the demolition.
The secretary general condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities actions to demolish the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound
Guterres reaffirmed that the site remains inviolable United Nations premises, immune from interference under international law. He urged Israeli authorities to restore the compound without delay and warned that continued actions against UNRWA were inconsistent with obligations under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
Palestinian And Regional Condemnation Mounts
Palestinian political bodies reacted with outrage, framing the demolition as an assault not only on UNRWA but on the broader international system. The Palestine Liberation Organization labelled the move a blatant attack on the United Nations, arguing that it was aimed at erasing the agency’s humanitarian and political presence in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates echoed this view, calling the demolition a gross breach of international law and customary norms. It appealed to UN member states, particularly those backing UNRWA, to intervene urgently and to refuse recognition of any actions that undermine the agency’s existence or operations in occupied territory.
Arab States Warn Of Dangerous Escalation
Regional governments also weighed in, warning that the consequences could extend far beyond the immediate dispute. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry described the demolition as a dangerous escalation and a flagrant breach of international law, stressing UNRWA’s irreplaceable role in serving Palestinian refugees across the region.
Saudi Arabia joined the chorus of condemnation, rejecting what it described as violations of international law and humanitarian principles. The kingdom urged the international community to shoulder its responsibility to stop ongoing actions against international relief organisations, warning that silence could normalise attacks on humanitarian infrastructure.
Long Running Tensions Around UNRWA
The demolition comes against the backdrop of sustained Israeli opposition to UNRWA’s presence in Jerusalem and other areas under Israeli control. Israel considers all of Jerusalem its capital, a claim not recognised internationally, while the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied territory. Israeli officials have repeatedly accused UNRWA of employing members of Hamas, allegations the agency has consistently denied.
These tensions intensified after Israel’s parliament passed legislation in October 2024 banning UNRWA from operating in areas under Israeli jurisdiction. Subsequent amendments restricted access to utilities for UNRWA facilities, and last month Israeli authorities seized the agency’s East Jerusalem offices. Tuesday’s demolition has now elevated the dispute into a direct confrontation over the sanctity of United Nations premises and the future of humanitarian work in one of the world’s most contested cities.
