UN Chief Condemns Israeli Demolition of UNRWA Facilities in East Jerusalem

HAMILTON, Canada, Jan 21: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Israel’s demolition of structures within the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem.

“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ actions to demolish the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Haq emphasized the inviolability and immunity of UN premises, adding, “The Secretary-General views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA, which are inconsistent with Israel’s clear obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.”

He called on the Israeli government to immediately halt the demolitions and restore the UNRWA compound and other facilities to the United Nations without delay.

The controversy follows a law passed last month by the Israeli Knesset cutting electricity and water supplies to UNRWA premises in East Jerusalem. Similar measures were taken previously, including 2024 legislation banning UNRWA operations in Israel, citing unproven allegations against some UNRWA staff in relation to the October 7, 2023, events. UNRWA has consistently maintained its strict neutrality in all operations.

The Secretary-General’s statement underscores ongoing concerns about escalating tensions affecting humanitarian operations in East Jerusalem and the need for Israel to respect international legal obligations toward UN agencies.