US EditionIsrael demolishes HQ of U.N. Palestinian refugee agency in East Jerusalem
Israeli authorities demolished UNRWA's East Jerusalem headquarters and a fire damaged the compound, amid efforts to dismantle Palestinian refugee support amid legal and international disputes.
- On January 20, 2026, Israeli forces led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed and bulldozed the Ammunition Hill compound, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees said the site was later set on fire.
- Israel's parliament moved to strip diplomatic immunity and seize property after accusing some UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7 attacks, banning the agency from operating in Israeli-defined territory.
- At the community level, vocational and school programmes serving 800 students in occupied East Jerusalem and around 350 male students at Qalandia Training Centre face closure, risking UNRWA’s aid to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
- UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and United Nations senior officials condemned last Tuesday's demolitions, while eight firefighting teams extinguished the Sunday blaze with no injuries reported.
- Israeli officials say they will seek to close additional UNRWA facilities and repurpose sites for housing and government offices, while United Nations authorities consider legal avenues including the International Court of Justice.
36 Articles
36 Articles
European countries, Canada, and Japan condemned the Israeli authorities' demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem, stressing the need to open all crossings into the Gaza Strip.
U.K., France, Canada and others condemn Israel’s demolition of UN site in Jerusalem
Britain and its allies, including France and Canada, on Wednesday strongly condemned the demolition last week by Israeli authorities of the UN Palestinian refugee agency’s East Jerusalem compound.
Is the End of the UN Relief & Works Agency for Palestinians the End of the Int'l Order?
New York (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) – Supported by U.S. military, political and financial muscle, Israel seeks to demolish the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA in the occupied territories. It reflects the ongoing war against the poorest in the Global South. Last Friday, the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said that The Qalandiya Training Center for hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank could be closed within days by Israel…
“After being assaulted and demolished by the Israeli authorities, the UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem has now been set on fire,” the agency said in a statement.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
