Key Takeaways:
- Eleven countries have condemned Israel’s demolition of the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)
- The demolition is seen as an attempt to undermine UNRWA’s work and restrict its ability to operate in Gaza
- Israel has been accused of trying to link UNRWA to Hamas, despite a lack of evidence
- The international community is calling on Israel to halt all demolitions and facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza
- At least 71,660 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 2023, and conditions in Gaza remain dire
Introduction to the Crisis
The international community has come together to condemn Israel’s recent demolition of the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of eleven countries, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, slammed the demolition as an "unprecedented act" against a UN agency. The statement emphasized the importance of UNRWA’s work in providing aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s Pressure Campaign Against UNRWA
Israel has been carrying out an intensified pressure campaign against UNRWA, which provides critical humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, the Israeli government and its allies, including the United States, have accused UNRWA of being linked to Hamas, a claim rejected by the UN. This has led to attempts to restrict UNRWA’s ability to operate in Gaza, where the agency is best equipped to distribute food, water, medicine, and other critical humanitarian aid. In late 2024, Israel’s parliament passed legislation barring UNRWA from operating in areas under Israeli control, and in December of last year, Israeli lawmakers approved amendments to strengthen that prohibition.
The Demolition of UNRWA’s Headquarters
Last week, UNRWA reported that Israeli forces stormed its East Jerusalem headquarters and began demolishing buildings. The agency’s chief, Philippe Lazzarini, described the move as an "unprecedented attack" against a UN agency and its premises. Lazzarini emphasized that Israel, as a member of the United Nations, is obliged to protect and respect the inviolability of UN premises. The demolition is seen as a clear attempt to undermine UNRWA’s work and restrict its ability to operate in Gaza.
International Law and the Obligations of Israel
The International Court of Justice ruled in October 2025 that Israel has an obligation under international law to lift restrictions on UNRWA’s operations and facilitate its work. The court emphasized that the United Nations, acting through UNRWA, has been an indispensable provider of humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, Israel is under an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities, including UNRWA. The demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters and the restriction of its operations are clear violations of international law and Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with at least 71,660 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since October 2023. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain inadequate for the needs of the population. The 11 foreign ministers who condemned the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters also called on Israel to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza. As the occupying power in Gaza, Israel has an obligation under international law to ensure the needs of the occupied population are met. However, Israel has failed to adhere to its obligations, including a US-brokered ceasefire deal that agreed to allow 600 trucks of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory each day.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The international community must come together to condemn Israel’s actions and call for an end to the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters and the restriction of its operations. The agency’s work is critical to providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, and its ability to operate must be protected. The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and action. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions and ensure that it adheres to its obligations under international law. The 11 foreign ministers who condemned the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters have taken an important step in this direction, and it is essential that other countries follow their lead.
