Israeli forces have stormed UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem, forcibly entering the compound and replacing the UN flag with Israel’s, prompting widespread condemnation and international alarm.
UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, called the action “a direct violation of international law,” noting that Israeli police and municipal officials entered the premises early Monday morning.
“Police motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts were used to cut off all communications,” Lazzarini said. “Furniture, IT equipment, and other property were seized while the UN flag was removed.”
This UNRWA raid follows months of harassment, including arson attacks, intimidation campaigns, and anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, which Lazzarini said breached international obligations.
Since the beginning of 2025, Israeli authorities have ordered UNRWA to vacate all premises and halt operations inside Israel, claiming security concerns and alleging staff involvement in the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
UNRWA has denied these allegations, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found Israel’s claims unsubstantiated, reaffirming the agency’s right to operate in occupied territories without interference.
Following Israel’s allegations, the United States, historically UNRWA’s largest donor, suspended funding, severely constraining the agency’s ability to provide essential humanitarian services in Gaza and the West Bank.
UNRWA repatriated its international staff from Gaza and the West Bank, drastically reducing aid distribution during extreme shortages of food, shelter, and medical care for Palestinians.
The ICJ issued an advisory opinion affirming Israel’s legal obligation to support UN relief efforts in Gaza and to cooperate with UN agencies operating in occupied territories, including UNRWA.
Lazzarini condemned the raid as “a blatant disregard for Israel’s obligations as a UN member state,” emphasizing that UN premises remain inviolable under international law, irrespective of domestic actions.
“The removal of the UN flag and seizure of property cannot legally alter the compound’s status,” he added. “The site retains immunity from any interference under international conventions.”
UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organization serving Palestinian refugees, offering schooling, healthcare, social services, and shelter to millions in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
For Palestinians, UNRWA represents not only aid but also the internationally recognized right of return for refugees expelled or displaced during Israel’s creation in 1948.
The raid coincides with Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 70,000 Palestinians and injured more than 171,000, according to Gaza health authorities, creating an acute humanitarian crisis.
Lazzarini warned the UNRWA raid sets a dangerous precedent, signaling that targeting humanitarian agencies undermines international law and jeopardizes the delivery of life-saving aid in conflict zones.
Israel continues to justify its actions by citing alleged security threats, despite repeated ICJ rulings that no evidence exists against UNRWA staff to substantiate such claims.
The suspension of US aid has forced UNRWA to prioritize only the most desperate cases, leaving countless Palestinians without critical assistance amid escalating shortages.
Schools, hospitals, and social programs run by UNRWA have faced severe interruptions, threatening the education, healthcare, and welfare of vulnerable Palestinian populations.
Lazzarini reaffirmed UNRWA’s commitment to humanitarian principles, pledging to continue operations wherever possible while maintaining neutrality in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Humanitarian groups and international leaders have condemned the UNRWA raid, calling for Israel to restore the UN flag and respect the agency’s inviolable status under international law.
The raid has sparked protests and condemnation worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers and infrastructure in conflict zones, particularly in East Jerusalem.
Palestinian leaders stressed that targeting UNRWA threatens fragile ceasefire efforts, further endangering civilians and deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
UNRWA has long played a critical role in providing schooling, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinians, ensuring basic survival in the face of ongoing violence.
The agency also provides shelter and support to displaced families, many of whom have fled previous Israeli offensives, making its operations indispensable during prolonged conflict.
Lazzarini criticized Israel for using domestic legislation to challenge the agency’s operations, reiterating that such measures have no international legal effect and cannot override UN protections.
The UNRWA raid follows a broader pattern of obstruction and intimidation, including previous arson attacks, public demonstrations targeting staff, and campaigns to delegitimize the agency’s work.
Despite these challenges, UNRWA continues to deliver essential aid in Gaza, West Bank, and neighboring countries, emphasizing its role as a neutral humanitarian actor in a politically charged environment.
International organizations have warned that Israel’s actions could further isolate the country diplomatically and undermine decades of humanitarian norms and international law safeguards.
As UNRWA struggles to continue its operations under duress, millions of Palestinians remain dependent on the agency for survival, highlighting the urgent need for renewed international support.
Lazzarini concluded that Israel’s raid on UNRWA headquarters is a serious affront to international law, calling for immediate restoration of the premises’ status and the UN flag.
The raid underscores the vulnerability of humanitarian organizations in conflict zones and the need for robust enforcement of international legal protections to safeguard aid delivery.
For Palestinians, UNRWA’s presence remains a lifeline and a symbol of their rights, including education, healthcare, and the internationally recognized right of return, all of which the agency continues to uphold.
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