Israel Seizes UNRWA’s Jerusalem Headquarters

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Aaron BoxermanJanuary 20, 2026 at 06:11 PM

AI Summary

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The Israeli government seized the Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on January 20, 2026, and demolished some structures in its compound. The move escalates Israel's crackdown on UNRWA, which has been at odds with the government over the past two years. In 2024, Israel passed legislation criminalizing UNRWA's operations, stripping it of diplomatic immunity and barring its facilities from receiving essential services. The agency was founded in 1949 to serve Palestinians displaced during Israel's establishment. Israeli officials have accused UNRWA's Gaza branch of being compromised by Palestinian militant groups, although the organization denies this claim. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, described the move as "a new level of open and deliberate defiance of international law".

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Knesset 50% UN ×250% October 7, 2023 attack ×260% Oren Marmorstein 60% Philippe Lazzarini 60% Hamas ×260% West Bank ×270% Gaza Strip ×470% Jerusalem ×280% Israel ×790% UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) ×9100%

Keywords

unrwa 100% israel 90% palestinian refugees 80% jerusalem headquarters 70% demolition 60% crackdown 60% international law 50% humanitarian aid 50% gaza strip 40% terrorism 40%