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Overview
The United Nations has accused Israel of carrying out an unprecedented attack after demolition work began at a long-standing UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem. The site has served Palestinian refugees for decades and now faces complete removal.
Demolition Work Begins
Israeli authorities deployed heavy machinery to demolish buildings inside the compound, including former barracks. Officials say the plan will clear the land for future development.
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the site during the demolition. He described the operation as a major step in asserting governance in Jerusalem.
Israeli Government Position
Israeli officials claim the UN Relief and Works Agency poses a security risk. Authorities have accused some UNRWA staff of links to militant groups, including Hamas. The government argues that these claims justify ending the agency’s presence at the site.
Israel says it acted within the law and insists the compound belongs to the state. Officials also argue that the UN lost immunity because the site now stands vacant.
UN and International Response
The United Nations strongly rejected Israel’s claims. UN officials say international law protects UN facilities from seizure or destruction without consent. They described the demolition as a direct violation of international agreements.
UNRWA denied any institutional links to militant groups. The agency says it investigates all allegations against staff members and has found no evidence of systemic wrongdoing.
Legal Status of the Site
UNRWA has used the East Jerusalem compound since 1951. The UN continues to pay Jordan to lease the land. Israel does not recognize the lease and disputes the site’s legal status.
Most international legal interpretations classify East Jerusalem as occupied territory. Israel captured the area during the 1967 war.
Growing Tensions
The Palestinian Authority condemned the demolition and called it a dangerous escalation. Officials said the move undermines international law and UN protections.
UN officials warned that the action deepens tensions between Israel and the United Nations. Relations have remained strained amid ongoing disputes over Gaza, humanitarian access, and international oversight.
