Israeli Minister Oversees Demolition of UNRWA Facilities in East Jerusalem
JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL — January 20, 2026
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led security forces on Tuesday in demolishing buildings inside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in occupied East Jerusalem.
Demolition in Sheikh Jarrah
Witnesses reported that Israeli forces entered the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood with a bulldozer. They demolished both temporary and permanent structures inside the compound.
Soon after, Israeli forces raised the Israeli flag over the site, replacing the UN flag. This move marked a symbolic shift in control over the compound.
Statements by Israeli Officials
Ben-Gvir described the operation as a milestone for Israeli authority in Jerusalem. Writing on X, he called the demolition “a historic and important day” and claimed that Israel was removing what he described as “supporters of terror.”
Meanwhile, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Aryeh King used inflammatory language to justify the action. He referred to UNRWA as an enemy organization and stated that Israel had fulfilled its goal of removing the agency from Jerusalem.
UNRWA Condemns the Action
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini strongly criticized the demolition. He called it an unprecedented attack on a UN agency and its facilities.
According to Lazzarini, Israel acted in open defiance of international law, including legal protections granted to United Nations premises. He emphasized that Israel, like all UN member states, must respect the inviolability of UN facilities.
Legal and Political Context
Last month, Israel’s parliament approved legislation to cut electricity and water supplies to UNRWA buildings in East Jerusalem. Earlier measures also targeted the agency.
In 2024, the Knesset passed a law banning UNRWA’s operations inside Israel. Lawmakers cited allegations that some agency staff were involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks. UNRWA rejected the claims, and the United Nations confirmed that the agency follows strict neutrality standards.
International Law Concerns
Lazzarini noted that these actions contradict a ruling issued in October by the International Court of Justice. The court stated that Israel must facilitate UNRWA’s work rather than obstruct it. It also reaffirmed that Israel has no legal jurisdiction over East Jerusalem.
Furthermore, Lazzarini warned that such measures could set a dangerous precedent.
He stressed that if the international community fails to respond, similar actions could target other international organizations or diplomatic missions. In his view, continued disregard for international law threatens the global rules-based order.
Background on UNRWA
The United Nations established UNRWA more than 70 years ago to provide humanitarian assistance, education, and health services to Palestinians displaced from their homes.
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