By: The Trek News Desk
Israeli authorities have begun demolishing the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, marking a major escalation in Israel’s crackdown on humanitarian organisations assisting Palestinians. The move has raised serious concerns over humanitarian access and the future of aid services in the region.
UNRWA said in a post on social media platform X that Israeli forces entered its headquarters located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, forcibly removed staff members and confiscated electronic equipment. The agency described the action as unprecedented, stating that it represents a grave violation of international law and infringes upon the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations.
Israel has for years accused UNRWA of adopting a pro-Palestinian stance and has alleged links between the agency and groups such as Hamas. UNRWA has consistently rejected these allegations, maintaining that it operates strictly under UN mandates to support Palestinian refugees.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the demolition is being carried out under a newly enacted law that effectively bans UNRWA from operating in areas Israel considers part of its territory, including East Jerusalem. The ministry reiterated claims that the organisation has connections with extremist groups. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir personally accompanied the demolition teams and described the move as a “historic day.”
UNRWA plays a central role in maintaining infrastructure in Palestinian refugee camps and provides essential services such as education, healthcare and social assistance in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Palestinians view the agency as vital for meeting basic humanitarian needs, while Israel has long opposed its presence and operations.
The situation has been building for years. In 2018, the Trump administration cut US funding to UNRWA. More recently, Israel’s parliament passed legislation banning the agency from functioning in Israeli-controlled areas. This decision aligns with broader efforts by Israel to tighten regulations on aid organisations working in Gaza and the West Bank.
Under these measures, non-governmental organisations face strict requirements, including restrictions on hiring staff accused of activities deemed to “delegitimise Israel” or support boycotts. Several aid groups have reportedly been informed that their operating licences will expire by the end of 2025, further deepening uncertainty over humanitarian work in the region.
Source: News Agencies
