Israeli authorities began the demolition of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.

This move follows a legislative ban passed by the Israeli Knesset in late 2024, which barred the agency from operating within Israeli-controlled territory.

• The Operation: Early on Tuesday morning, Israeli forces accompanied by bulldozers stormed the compound. They ejected private security guards, removed the UN flag, and raised the Israeli flag over the site before beginning the destruction of buildings.
• Government Presence: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the site during the demolition, calling it a “historic day” and a “day of celebration” for Israeli governance in Jerusalem.
• Israel’s Justification: The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the site is state-owned and that UNRWA had already ceased operations there. They argued the compound no longer holds diplomatic immunity following the ban.

Global and UN Reaction

The United Nations and various international bodies have condemned the demolition in the strongest terms:

• UN Leadership: Secretary-General António Guterres described the move as “wholly unacceptable” and a violation of international law. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called it a “new level of open and deliberate defiance,” warning it sets a dangerous precedent for diplomatic missions worldwide.
• Legal Status: The UN maintains that under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, the premises are inviolable, regardless of whether staff are currently present.
• International Outrage: The European Union, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have issued statements condemning the demolition as a “blatant violation” of international law and a threat to the humanitarian protection of Palestinian refugees.

Wider Context

This demolition occurs amid a broader crackdown on international aid groups. In late 2025, Israel notified several NGOs—including Doctors Without Borders and CARE—that their operating licenses would not be renewed, significantly impacting the humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank.