Condemnation as Israel raids UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem, removes UN flag

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Caolán MageeDecember 8, 2025 at 04:27 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

On December 8, 2025, Israeli forces raided the UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, seizing property and replacing the UN flag with an Israeli flag. According to UNRWA's commissioner-general, the raid involved police and municipal officials who forcibly entered the compound, cut communications, and removed furniture and equipment. UNRWA has not used the building since being ordered to vacate by Israeli authorities earlier in the year. Israel barred UNRWA from operating on its soil following allegations that some employees participated in the October 7, 2023 attack, though UNRWA denied the claims and the ICJ found them unsubstantiated. The incident follows months of harassment and anti-UNRWA legislation, and has been condemned by the agency as a violation of international law.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

East Jerusalem ×280% Philippe Lazzarini ×2100% United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) ×4100% Israel ×5100%

Keywords

unrwa 100% israel 90% raid 80% east jerusalem 70% united nations 60% international law 60% allegations 50% palestine refugees 50% aid distribution 40%