Can Israel flatten the UNRWA headquarters with impunity?

Israeli demolition teams have started demolishing the UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem. Israel claims ownership of the land and alleges UNRWA is infiltrated by Hamas. UNRWA disputes this, citing international protections for its premises. While acknowledging that nine staff members may have been involved in the October 7th attacks, UNRWA states that Israel has not provided evidence of wider involvement. The BBC's John Sudworth reported from the site as the demolition began. The demolitions are occurring despite UNRWA's assertion that the compound is protected under international law.

On January 20, 2026, Israel bulldozed the headquarters of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) in occupied East Jerusalem. The demolition was supervised by far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This action occurred amidst increasing Israeli restrictions on NGOs providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The destruction of the UNRWA buildings took place in the context of broader Israeli policy concerning aid organizations operating in the region. The specific reasons behind the demolition were not stated in the provided information.

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".

On Tuesday, Israeli forces demolished structures within the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, a site seized by Israel last year. UNRWA condemned the demolition as a violation of international law and an unprecedented attack on the agency. Israeli forces entered the compound, removed security guards, and used bulldozers to raze several buildings that previously housed dozens of UNRWA staff and stored aid. UNRWA has not used the compound since Israel ordered its closure and cessation of operations last year. Israel's parliament passed a law in October 2024 banning UNRWA from operating in the country.

In January 2026, Israel bulldozed buildings within the UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem. The action follows increased Israeli restrictions on humanitarian organizations aiding Palestinians in Gaza. UNRWA reported that Israeli forces confiscated staff devices and forced personnel out of the Sheikh Jarrah headquarters. According to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, Israeli lawmakers were present during the demolition, which he described as an attack on the Palestine refugee identity. Israel's Foreign Ministry stated the demolition was in accordance with a new law banning the organization, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir hailed it as a "historic day." The incident has drawn condemnation amid Israel's broader ban on international aid organizations.