Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Early Tuesday morning, Israeli forces carried out the demolition of multiple structures within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem. This act has generated significant concern from humanitarian groups and international observers alike.
Bulldozers, accompanied by Israeli security personnel, targeted both large and small buildings, including former offices and storage facilities. UNRWA employees had utilized the site for many years before a directive halted their operations there in 2024.
In a strong condemnation, UNRWA labeled the demolition as a blatant breach of international law. Witnesses reported that Israeli forces arrived around 7 a.m., removed existing security staff, and permitted heavy machinery to commence destruction. Officials from the UN asserted that the compound enjoys protection under UN privileges and should not have been impacted.
Some former employees noted that the affected buildings housed critical aid supplies intended for Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza, including vital food and medical materials. The absence of these facilities may hinder future aid efforts in the region.
Defending its actions, Israel has claimed that the compound lacks legal immunity. The Israeli foreign ministry asserted that the demolition proceeded in accordance with both Israeli and international law, while also alleging that UNRWA had accumulated significant unpaid property taxes.
In October 2024, the Israeli government halted UNRWA operations within the country and barred officials from engaging with the agency. Additionally, Israel has accused certain members of UNRWA staff of ties to Hamas and involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks that resulted in substantial casualties. UNRWA acknowledged the termination of several employees yet indicated that Israel lacked comprehensive evidence for all accusations.
The agency maintains that the East Jerusalem compound remains under UN jurisdiction and disputes any claims of unpaid taxes, highlighting that East Jerusalem is viewed as occupied territory by the UN and most nations, despite Israel's claim over the entire city.
UNRWA continues to function in Gaza, the West Bank, and other parts of the Middle East, offering education, healthcare, shelter, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees. The destruction of its buildings in East Jerusalem heightens tensions in an already volatile context and raises critical questions regarding the sanctity of international institutions amid conflicts.
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