Sheikh Jarrah

Recent news focuses on Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem, specifically the demolition of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) facilities. UNRWA is the UN agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees. These demolitions, occurring on January 20, 2026, are considered by some, including the UN, as a blatant breach of international law. Israel accuses UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas, a charge the agency denies, leading to a ban on UNRWA operating on Israeli territory last year. The demolitions are part of a broader crackdown on NGOs providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Simultaneously, Israel is advancing a settlement plan for 9,000 units at Jerusalem airport, a move seen by some as aimed at severing Jerusalem from the West Bank. These events highlight the ongoing tensions and disputes surrounding East Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns about humanitarian aid access and territorial control.