Israel has demolished the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, using bulldozers to raze the facility, while also firing tear gas at a UN-run vocational school in Qalandiya in the occupied West Bank.
The latest actions mark a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against UNRWA, the UN agency that has for decades provided humanitarian assistance, education, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees. Israel has accused UNRWA of cooperating with Hamas—an allegation the agency has strongly denied. Last year, Israel formally banned UNRWA’s operations within its territory.
According to Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s director in the West Bank, the agency was informed that police and demolition crews arrived at the East Jerusalem headquarters at dawn. Although the compound had been largely unused for nearly a year due to security threats and repeated provocations, Israeli forces nonetheless entered the premises, confiscated equipment, and forcibly removed private security guards assigned to protect the site.
The compound, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, was later seen flying an Israeli flag. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the demolition as “a historic day,” a remark that has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and international observers.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, however, defended the move, stating that “UNRWA–Hamas” had already ceased operations at the site and that there were no UN staff or UN activities remaining on the premises.
The demolition and the reported use of tear gas at a UN educational facility have intensified international concern over Israel’s treatment of UN institutions operating in Palestinian territories. Critics argue that dismantling UNRWA’s infrastructure further undermines humanitarian support for Palestinian refugees, while supporters of the Israeli government maintain that the measures are necessary for national security.
Observers warn that these developments could deepen diplomatic rifts between Israel and the United Nations, as well as fuel further instability in an already volatile region.
Source: The Guardian.