Israeli forces demolished buildings inside the East Jerusalem compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday, drawing sharp condemnation from the agency, which described the move as a breach of international law.
Bulldozers, escorted by Israeli security forces, tore down several large buildings and smaller structures within the compound, which previously housed dozens of UNRWA staff. The site had not been in use since early last year, after Israel ordered the agency to vacate its premises and halt operations.
A man walks near fallen cables at the Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as the headquarters is dismantled by Israeli forces, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler said Israeli forces entered the compound around 7 a.m. local time, removed security guards and began demolition work shortly afterward. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the action marked “a new level of open and deliberate defiance of international law,” describing it as part of a broader pattern of Israeli measures against the agency.
As reported in Reuters, according to former UNRWA staff, some of the demolished buildings were used to store humanitarian aid destined for the West Bank and Gaza. Hakam Shahwan, former chief of staff at UNRWA’s East Jerusalem headquarters, said the demolition sent a message that Israel was acting with impunity.
Israel has long accused UNRWA of bias and alleged that some of its staff were members of Hamas and participated in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. UNRWA has dismissed the accusations as a “large-scale disinformation campaign,” saying Israel has not provided evidence for all claims, though it has dismissed several employees.
A man handles fallen cables at the Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as the headquarters is dismantled by Israeli forces, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
In October 2024, Israel’s parliament passed legislation banning UNRWA from operating in the country and prohibiting Israeli officials from maintaining contact with the agency. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed Tuesday’s demolition, posting a video from the site and calling it “a historic day.”
Israel’s foreign ministry said the seizure of the compound was carried out in accordance with Israeli and international law, citing claims by Jerusalem’s municipality that UNRWA had failed to pay property taxes. UNRWA has denied owing any such debts.
UNRWA operates in East Jerusalem, Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle East, providing education, healthcare, social services and shelter to millions of Palestinians. East Jerusalem is regarded by the United Nations and most countries as occupied territory, a status Israel disputes, considering the entire city part of the country.
