Israeli authorities on Tuesday started demolishing buildings at the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), sparking strong condemnation from the agency. UNRWA described the move as an unprecedented attack on United Nations property and warned that it could undermine the safety and independence of international organisations around the world.

According to UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler, Israeli forces entered the compound in the Sheikh Jarrah area early in the morning, removed security guards, and allowed bulldozers to begin tearing down parts of the facility. He said the action violated international law and breached the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations. Images from the scene showed heavy equipment destroying structures while an Israeli flag was raised at the site.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, reportedly visited the location briefly and praised the demolition, calling it a historic moment. Israeli authorities have long accused UNRWA of links to Hamas, claiming some staff members were involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. However, independent investigations found concerns mainly about neutrality and said Israel had not provided solid proof to back its most serious claims.

Defending the action, Israel’s foreign ministry said the compound belongs to the Israeli state and does not enjoy diplomatic immunity. It added that UNRWA had already vacated the premises earlier in 2025 after laws banning its operations in East Jerusalem took effect. Despite the ban, UNRWA continues to operate in Gaza and the West Bank, as tensions between Israel and the UN agency remain high.