- Israeli forces demolished buildings in the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem, targeting structures deemed illegal due to lack of permits.
- The operation occurred early Monday in Sheikh Jarrah, destroying administrative offices and classrooms used for Palestinian refugee services.
- UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the action as "outrageous," citing legal land lease from Jordan and calling for reconstruction.
- Israeli authorities justified the demolitions under municipal planning laws, with orders dating to 1988; no injuries reported during the secured operation.
- International reactions include UN alarm, US calls for restraint, and EU condemnation, amid broader East Jerusalem demolition patterns affecting Palestinians.
Jerusalem (Washington Insider Magazines) 20 January 2026 – Israeli forces demolished buildings within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem. The action targeted structures deemed illegal by Israeli authorities. UN officials condemned the demolitions as a violation of international law.
Israeli bulldozers entered the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem early on Monday. The operation resulted in the complete destruction of two buildings used for administrative and educational purposes. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed the incident via official statement.
Details of Demolition Operation in East Jerusalem
Credit: OCHA
Israeli authorities executed the demolition citing lack of building permits for the structures. The buildings, constructed in 1986, served as offices and classrooms for UNRWA operations supporting Palestinian refugees. Forces arrived at dawn, securing the perimeter before razing the sites within hours.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy machinery tearing down the concrete structures amid tight security. No injuries occurred during the operation, according to Jerusalem municipal statements. UNRWA staff were evacuated prior to the demolitions.
The compound, located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, houses UNRWA's headquarters for West Bank operations. This marks the first direct demolition within the agency’s premises since its establishment in 1949. Israeli police maintained order, preventing protests from reaching the site.
UNRWA's Response to Building Demolitions
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the demolitions as “outrageous.” He stated the agency holds legal documentation for the land, leased from Jordan in 1961. Lazzarini called for immediate reconstruction and compensation from Israeli authorities.
The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm over the incident, urging respect for UN premises. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted the action undermines humanitarian efforts in the region. UNRWA operations in East Jerusalem continue despite the setback.
Lazzarini highlighted the demolitions’ impact on services for 5,000 Palestinian refugees registered in the area. Classrooms destroyed affected educational programmes for hundreds of children. The agency relocated staff to temporary facilities pending resolution.
Israeli Justification for UNRWA Compound Action
Credit: Getty Images
Jerusalem Municipality officials stated the buildings lacked required permits under Israeli planning laws. Spokesperson Avner Shimroni affirmed the structures were built without approval post-1967 annexation of East Jerusalem. Demolition orders were issued in 1988, ignored by UNRWA.
Israeli Foreign Ministry defended the operation as enforcement of sovereignty. A statement read:
“Illegal constructions on state land will not be tolerated, regardless of the builder.”
Officials rejected UN claims of legal tenure for the specific edifices.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office linked the demolitions to broader security measures. The action follows heightened tensions in Sheikh Jarrah, site of previous settler-Palestinian disputes. No connection to ongoing Gaza operations was mentioned in official releases.
Historical Context of UNRWA Site in Sheikh Jarrah
Credit: Ammar Awad/Reuters
The UNRWA compound occupies land originally allocated for refugee relief after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Jordan administered the site until 1967, granting UNRWA a 99-year lease. Israel assumed control following annexation, recognising UNRWA’s presence but requiring municipal compliance.
Previous disputes over the compound arose in 2019, when Israel fined UNRWA for unpermitted expansions. Negotiations stalled over retroactive permits. The buildings targeted stood vacant since 2022 renovations, per UN records.
Sheikh Jarrah remains a flashpoint, with ongoing eviction cases against Palestinian families favouring settlers. UNRWA’s location amplifies visibility of such enforcement actions. International donors fund the agency’s regional mandate, unaffected by the incident thus far.
International Reactions to East Jerusalem Demolitions
The United States called for restraint, noting UNRWA’s critical role in aid delivery. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged dialogue over unilateral steps. No punitive measures were announced.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the demolitions as counterproductive. He reiterated EU support for UNRWA funding amid funding shortfalls. France and Germany summoned Israeli ambassadors for explanations.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas labelled the action an assault on UN institutions. Hamas in Gaza decried it as escalation, vowing response. Jordan, custodian of Jerusalem holy sites, protested formally to Israel.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications for UNRWA Operations
UN legal experts cite Vienna Convention protections for UN properties. Article 105 guarantees inviolability of premises, applicable to UNRWA under UN General Assembly resolution. Israel disputes full applicability to the agency’s status.
Ongoing International Court of Justice advisory proceedings on Israeli occupation include UNRWA protections. The demolitions may feature in upcoming hearings scheduled for February 2026. UNRWA pursues local court injunctions for rebuilding.
Diplomatic channels activated post-demolition, with Quartet envoys convening virtually. US, EU, UN, and Russia representatives discussed de-escalation. No timeline for resolution emerged from talks.
Broader Pattern of Demolitions in East Jerusalem
Jerusalem Municipality reported 1,200 structures demolished in 2025, targeting unpermitted Palestinian builds. UNRWA incident marks first agency-specific action. Human Rights Watch documented 600 homes razed since October 2023.
Settler groups welcomed the demolitions, claiming vindication for land claims. Peace Now NGO criticised selective enforcement, noting permitted Jewish builds nearby. Data shows 45 per cent demolition orders in East Jerusalem target Palestinians.
Winter weather delayed immediate reconstruction prospects. UNRWA appeals for emergency funds to sustain services. Donor conference planned for March 2026 in Brussels.
Impact on Palestinian Refugee Services in West Bank
UNRWA provides education, health, and relief to 800,000 refugees in West Bank. East Jerusalem compound coordinates regional logistics. Temporary hubs established in Ras al-Amud neighbourhood.
Affected programmes include vocational training for 200 youths annually. Health clinics served 10,000 patients yearly from the site. Staff of 150 reassigned without salary disruption.
Agency-wide funding crisis persists post-October 2023 Israeli aid halt. Resumed contributions total $800 million, short of $1.2 billion needed. Demolitions exacerbate operational strains.
Ongoing Tensions in Sheikh Jarrah Neighbourhood
Sheikh Jarrah saw clashes post-demolition, with 20 arrests reported. Palestinian youths threw stones; police used skunk water and rubber bullets. Medical sources treated 15 for injuries.
Eviction lawsuits against eight families proceed in Israeli courts. Settler organisation Nahalat Shimon plans appeals for compound land. Community leaders demand protection for remaining UNRWA assets.
Area MP Ayman Odeh addressed Knesset, questioning demolition legality. Ministerial debate set for 25 January. No policy shift indicated from government benches.