Israeli crews have initiated the demolition of a United Nations headquarters in east Jerusalem as part of the Israeli government's tightening grip on humanitarian organizations providing aid to Palestinians. This demolition marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which serves Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA reported via social media platform X that Israeli forces confiscated devices belonging to its staff and expelled them from their headquarters located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. In a statement, the agency described the incident as “an unprecedented attack,” characterizing it as a serious infringement of international law as well as the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations. Unwavering in its stance, UNRWA has maintained that it plays a crucial role in providing services and support for Palestinian refugees.
The Israeli government has long criticized UNRWA, alleging that the organization exhibits pro-Palestinian tendencies and has ties to Hamas, claims that UNRWA firmly denies. In light of recent developments, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed that the demolition is a direct consequence of a new law prohibiting UNRWA's operations, on the grounds of purported links to militant groups, including Hamas.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who claimed to have accompanied the demolition crews, hailed the day as “historic.” This reflects a shift in Israeli policy that aims to reassess and restrict the role of international organizations in the region.
UNRWA plays a significant role in providing essential services, operating schools, healthcare facilities, and maintaining infrastructure in Palestinian refugee camps across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and also in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. For many Palestinians, UNRWA is critical to ensuring access to basic services, yet for decades, the organization has faced significant opposition from Israel.
The Trump administration notably cut funding to UNRWA in 2018, which had a severe impact on the organization’s ability to operate effectively. Further complicating matters, Israel’s Knesset passed legislation the previous year banning the organization from functioning within what it defines as its territory, including east Jerusalem where the UNRWA headquarters is situated.
This recent ban aligns with broader Israeli efforts to deregister humanitarian groups working in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. New laws have been enacted, requiring non-governmental organizations to avoid hiring staff members who may engage in activities that “delegitimize Israel” or support boycotts against it. Compliance with these new regulations demands organizations submit lists of their employees as a precondition for continuing their operations in the region. Israel has informed dozens of such groups that their operational licenses will expire at the end of 2025, raising concerns about the future of humanitarian efforts in the area.
