Israeli forces on Tuesday took action against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), demolishing offices in Sheikh Jarrah and deploying tear gas at a vocational school in Qalandia. These actions represent a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing efforts to curtail the operations of the U.N. agency responsible for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
Crackdown on UNRWA
Crews demolished UNRWA offices, and Israeli forces confiscated devices and removed security personnel from the agency’s east Jerusalem headquarters, which has been largely unused for safety reasons for almost a year. The actions come after Israel’s Knesset passed legislation last year banning UNRWA from operating within Israel, including east Jerusalem.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated the demolition enforced the new law banning UNRWA, asserting ownership of the site and rejecting the agency’s claims that the move violates international law. Israel has long accused UNRWA of bias and alleged ties to Hamas, claims the U.N. and UNRWA have consistently denied.
Condemnation and Concerns
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the destruction of the UNRWA compound, calling for its return to U.N. control. His deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, stated the actions were “wholly unacceptable” and inconsistent with Israel’s international obligations. Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s West Bank director, described the events as “the culmination of two years of incitement and measures against UNRWA in east Jerusalem.”
The demolitions raise concerns about the future of UNRWA’s operations at the vocational center in Qalandia, which serves over 300 young refugees with job training, and a health facility in Shu’afat. A 15-year-old was reportedly hit in the eye with a rubber bullet during the unrest, and several children were affected by tear gas, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Jerusalem governorate.
Broader Context
This action against UNRWA is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on aid organizations operating in the region. Israel has also moved to deregister other groups, including Doctors Without Borders and CARE, requiring them to register staff names and adhere to rules against “delegitimizing Israel.” The Israeli military reported a 27% increase in attacks by Jewish settlers against Palestinians and Israeli security forces in the West Bank last year, with a 50% rise in severe incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UNRWA’s role?
UNRWA’s mandate is to provide aid and services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, east Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure support.
Why is Israel targeting UNRWA?
Israel has long accused UNRWA of anti-Israel bias and alleged ties to Hamas, claims the U.N. and UNRWA deny. Israel passed a law last year banning the agency from operating within its borders.
What was the reaction to the demolitions?
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the destruction of the UNRWA compound and called for its return to U.N. control, stating the actions were inconsistent with Israel’s international obligations.
As Israel continues to restrict the operations of UNRWA, what impact will this have on the delivery of essential services to Palestinian refugees and the broader humanitarian situation in the region?
