Israel has begun demolishing buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, marking a significant escalation in its crackdown on humanitarian organizations aiding Palestinians. This move has drawn widespread international concern as it coincides with Israel’s broader restrictions on NGOs providing critical assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

UNRWA Condemns Israeli Action

UNRWA released a statement condemning the demolition, stating that Israeli forces confiscated staff devices and forcibly removed personnel from their headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The agency called the destruction an unprecedented violation of international law, emphasizing that it infringes upon the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

“This is an unprecedented attack not only against UNRWA and its premises. It constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations,” the statement said.

According to local reports, Israeli military units, accompanied by bulldozers, stormed the UNRWA compound after sealing off surrounding streets and increasing the military presence in the area. Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the Israeli forces proceeded to demolish structures inside the compound.

Israeli Government Involvement and Statements

UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini stated that Israeli lawmakers and government officials were present during the demolition. Lazzarini described the attack as part of a broader effort by Israeli authorities to erase Palestinian refugee identity. He warned that actions against UNRWA could set a dangerous precedent for other international organizations or diplomatic missions worldwide.

Israel has long accused UNRWA of harboring pro-Palestinian bias and alleged links to Hamas—claims that the UN agency vehemently denies. In response to the demolitions, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited compliance with a new law banning the organization.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the demolition as a “historic day,” personally accompanying crews to the site.

International Aid Restrictions in Gaza and the West Bank

The demolitions follow a series of restrictions imposed on NGOs operating in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel recently revoked the licenses of 37 international aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Norwegian Refugee Council, citing non-compliance with new regulations. These rules require NGOs to provide detailed information on staff, funding, and operational activities.

Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Ramallah, said that the demolitions come amid months of Israeli crackdowns on Palestinians in Gaza, coinciding with the anniversary of a major Israeli assault on Palestinian refugee camps. Ibrahim noted that Israeli actions—demolishing homes and infrastructure—appear aimed at altering the symbolism of refugee camps and undermining Palestinian identity and the right of return.

Global Response and Legal Implications

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UN could seek recourse at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if Israel does not reverse laws targeting UNRWA and restore seized property. In a letter dated 8 January 2026, Guterres emphasized that Israel’s actions are in “direct contravention of the obligations of Israel under international law” and must be reversed without delay.

Israel’s parliament passed a law in October 2024 banning UNRWA operations in Israel and prohibiting Israeli officials from contacting the agency. The law was later amended to deny electricity and water supplies to UNRWA facilities. Authorities also seized UNRWA’s offices in East Jerusalem last month. The United Nations considers East Jerusalem occupied territory, while Israel claims sovereignty over all of Jerusalem.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

These developments exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Restrictions on international aid organizations have cut off life-saving assistance to thousands of Palestinians, worsening food, medical, and infrastructure shortages. Aid groups have repeatedly warned that without access, Gaza’s population faces increasing risk of starvation, illness, and collapse of critical health services.