The Israeli military demolished the main building of which UN agency in East Jerusalem in early 2026?

In early 2026, the Israeli military demolished the main building of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as UNRWA, in East Jerusalem. This significant event occurred on January 20, 2026, when Israeli forces entered the UNRWA headquarters compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and began bulldozing structures. The demolition was met with strong condemnation from the United Nations and numerous international bodies, who highlighted that UN premises are protected under international law.

UNRWA was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. Its mandate includes delivering essential services such as education, healthcare, relief, and social services to millions of registered Palestinian refugees across its five areas of operation, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas and has sought to restrict its operations, a charge the agency denies. This demolition followed a series of escalating measures by Israel against UNRWA, including previous legislation passed by the Israeli parliament aimed at banning the agency from operating in its territory.

The destruction of the UNRWA compound is seen by many as a serious violation of international law and a direct attack on the United Nations system. UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, described it as an "unprecedented attack" against the UN, emphasizing that such actions undermine the international system and the protections afforded to humanitarian missions globally. The incident further exacerbates tensions in the region and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in the Palestinian territories.