At around 7am on January 20, 2026 Israeli authorities began demolishing the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This installation had been based in East Jerusalem. In late 2024, the Israeli Knesset adopted a raft of legislative measures. These laws prohibited UNRWA operations inside of Israel and limited any official dealings with the agency. The current Israeli government has referred to UNRWA as a “greenhouse for terrorism.” They maintain that the agency’s work represents an existential danger to Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem.
The demolition comes amid heightened tensions following the October 7 Hamas-led attack, which prompted Israel to intensify its campaign against UNRWA. Israeli officials have said that UNRWA staff were involved in the attacks. They further claim that the agency’s facilities in Gaza were used to stage attacks against Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the seriousness of the attack by saying,
“This is a historic day, a day of celebration, and an important day for the restoration of governance in Jerusalem. For years, these supporters of terror operated here, and today they are being removed along with everything they built.”
In December 2025, Israel adopted comprehensive new legislation. This law would bar fundamental services, such as water and electricity from being delivered to UNRWA facilities. Furthermore, the laws allowed the state to recover land from UNRWA installations in East Jerusalem. The Israeli government defended these real estate maneuvers as necessary for bolstering its sovereignty. They argued that they were important moves to strengthen regional security and counter Iranian malign influence.
The Israeli foreign ministry reiterated its position regarding UNRWA, stating that it had ceased operations at the East Jerusalem site and that no United Nations personnel or activities remained there. They further asserted,
“The compound does not enjoy any immunity and its seizure was carried out in accordance with both Israeli and international law.”
The agency has long denied charges of support for Hamas and claims that it operates independently from the terrorist group, which controls the Gaza Strip. Now the demolition has faced widespread censure from a number of international actors, including the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, which called the demolition an.
“an unprecedented attack against a United Nations agency and its premises.”
The larger story here is much bigger than this particular case. Israel took East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 war. Next, in 1980, Israel formally annexed the city, an action that most of the international community does not recognize and views East Jerusalem as occupied territory. Palestinians hope to make East Jerusalem the capital of a future independent state—just as Israel has made West Jerusalem its capital since its founding.
“a serious breach of all rules and norms of international law.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterrez condemned the situation in the strongest terms. He called on Israel to halt the demolitions and return the compound used by UNRWA to its normal function. His spokesperson went on to underscore the importance of Israel respecting their obligations under international law to protect UN facilities.
The campaign against UNRWA today echoes historical conflicts between the Israeli government and Palestinians advocating for their independence. Israel has long pushed for the UNRWA’s disbandment. This demand underscores not only PRC’s deeper anxieties about security and governance in areas it considers core to its national interests.
The ongoing conflict over UNRWA’s role reflects longstanding tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Israel’s call for the dismantling of UNRWA underscores its broader concerns regarding security and governance in areas it considers vital to its national interests.
