News|Israel-Palestine conflictCondemnation as Israel raids UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem, removes UN flagThe agency’s commissioner-general condemns raid as a direct violation of international law.
## Israeli Forces Raid UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem
Israeli Forces Raid UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem
Israeli forces have conducted a raid on the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) located in occupied East Jerusalem. During the operation, items were seized, and the UN flag was replaced by the Israeli flag.
According to a statement by Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s commissioner-general, the Israeli police entered the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah early on Mon, Oct 9, 2023, accompanied by municipal officials. The operation involved the use of police motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts, resulting in the seizure of furniture, IT equipment, and other property. Communication lines were also disrupted during the raid.
UNRWA has not utilized the building since the start of 2023, following an order from Israeli authorities to vacate all agency premises and cease operations within Israel.
This raid is part of ongoing tensions that include accusations of UNRWA employees participating in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, which UNRWA has denied. An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 2023 found these allegations against UNRWA to be unsubstantiated.
Israeli forces have conducted a raid on the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) located in occupied East Jerusalem.
Despite this, the accusations led to the United States suspending funding to UNRWA, historically its largest donor. Additionally, UNRWA was compelled to repatriate international staff from Gaza and the West Bank, impacting aid distribution amidst severe shortages of essential supplies.
The ICJ's advisory opinion reaffirms Israel's legal obligation to support UN relief efforts, including those by UNRWA, and to cooperate with UN agencies operating in occupied territories. Philippe Lazzarini condemned the raid as a violation of international law, emphasizing Israel's obligation as a UN Member State to protect UN premises.
Lazzarini stated that despite Israel's attempts to alter the status of the compound, it remains a UN premise immune to interference, citing Israel’s commitment to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN.
UNRWA is a significant humanitarian organization providing education, healthcare, social services, and shelter to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency's operations are closely linked to the right of return for Palestinians displaced during the establishment of Israel in 1948.
The raid occurs amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Health officials report at least 70,365 fatalities and 171,058 injuries due to Israeli military actions.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
