News|Israel-Palestine conflictUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitionsCountries slam destruction of UN agency for Palestinian refugees’ East Jerusalem headquarters as ‘unprecedented act’.
Eleven countries have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's demolition of the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). They described the action as an "unprecedented…
Eleven countries have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's demolition of the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). They described the action as an "unprecedented act" against a UN agency.
The foreign ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom have called upon the Government of Israel to halt all demolitions. UNRWA provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East, and its operations have been significantly hindered by recent actions.
In late 2024, Israel's parliament enacted legislation to prohibit UNRWA from operating in areas under Israeli control. This was further strengthened by amendments passed in December of the same year, which drew criticism from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Last week, Israeli forces reportedly entered UNRWA's East Jerusalem headquarters and began demolishing buildings. UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini stated that this constitutes an unprecedented attack on a United Nations agency and emphasized that Israel, as a UN member state, is obligated to protect and respect UN premises.
Eleven countries have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's demolition of the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
In October 2025, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must lift restrictions on UNRWA's operations, noting that the agency provides essential humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip. The ruling stated that Israel is obligated to facilitate UNRWA's relief efforts.
The joint statement from the 11 foreign ministers expressed full support for UNRWA’s mission to provide healthcare and education to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. They urged Israel to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza, where conditions remain dire despite an increase in aid. The statement highlighted the need to meet the needs of the population under international law.
Under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement from October, Israel agreed to allow 600 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza daily. However, this commitment has not been fully realized. According to the latest reports, at least 492 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
