UN denounced attack and demolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem

Published at: 20/01/2026 01:24 PM

On Tuesday, Israeli forces invaded the headquarters of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, a complex under international protection, the agency reported.

According to international press reports, Israeli forces entered the complex shortly after 7 in the morning, expelled security guards and allowed heavy machinery to enter to begin the demolition of the main buildings and internal structures of the complex.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of UNRWA, denounced that the operation constitutes an “unprecedented attack” and a serious violation of international law, recalling that UN facilities enjoy privileges and immunities that must be respected by all States.

The UN confirmed that the demolition was carried out in the presence of legislators and a member of the Israeli Government, increasing the organization's concern about the deliberate nature of the action.

The released images showed excavators demolishing buildings inside the complex, where dozens of UNRWA employees previously worked. The agency had been under increasing pressure from the Israeli Government, which last year took control of the site and banned its operations in the country.

Israel argued that the seizure and demolition of the complex are in line with its domestic legislation and international law, claiming that UNRWA no longer operated there. However, the UN insisted that the protection of its facilities does not depend on ongoing operational activity.

Several international actors expressed concern about the precedent created by the demolition of a United Nations building in occupied territory. Humanitarian organizations warn that the measure aggravates the crisis in East Jerusalem and accentuates tensions in a context already characterized by restrictions on humanitarian work.

Mazo News Team