Israel Demolishes UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied East Jerusalem: International Condemnation Grows (January 2026)
 Israeli bulldozers demolish structures at UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. Credit: AFP |
Israel Demolishes UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied East Jerusalem: International Condemnation Grows (January 2026)
Jerusalem, January 20, 2026 — Israeli authorities carried out the demolition of multiple structures at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday. The action, overseen by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has drawn sharp international criticism for violating UN privileges and international law.
What Happened in Occupied East Jerusalem?
Israeli military units, accompanied by bulldozers, sealed off streets around the UNRWA compound before entering and razing several buildings. Staff devices were confiscated and personnel were ordered to leave the premises. Witnesses reported that Israeli flags were raised over the site, replacing the UN flag.
The demolition follows a controversial Israeli law passed in October 2024 and amended in late 2025 that bans UNRWA operations within Israeli-controlled territory and prohibits official contact with the agency. Israeli officials have repeatedly accused UNRWA of ties to Hamas — allegations the agency strongly denies and for which no public evidence has been presented.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the day as “historic,” while reports indicate plans to construct approximately 1,400 new settlement housing units on the site (Haaretz reporting).
Sources:
• Al Jazeera (Primary Report)
• Reuters
• UN News Official Statement
• Associated Press
International Reaction and Legal Concerns
UNRWA issued a strong condemnation, calling the demolition an “unprecedented attack” on United Nations premises and a “serious violation of international law.” Agency chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that the move is part of broader efforts to undermine Palestinian refugee identity and could set a dangerous precedent for other international organizations worldwide.
— Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had previously warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that failure to reverse anti-UNRWA measures could lead to referral to the International Court of Justice.
Influential Voices and Real-Time Coverage on X
Key updates and reactions from verified accounts:
• UN News Official Thread – Condemnation from UN Human Rights chief
• Middle East Eye Thread – On-site reporting
• DOAM Documentation – Video evidence and context
Original analysis by Qalamkaar | All facts independently verified from multiple authoritative sources. Last updated: January 20, 2026.
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