Why it matters:
Israel’s demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters goes beyond a localized property dispute and raises serious questions about the inviolability of United Nations premises under international law. UN agencies traditionally enjoy privileges and immunities designed to protect their independence and operational continuity.
The big picture:
For years, Israel has accused UNRWA of being compromised by Hamas, alleging that some staff were involved in the October 7 operation and that the agency’s facilities were misused for militant purposes. On this basis, Israeli officials argue that UNRWA premises should no longer enjoy full UN protections.
Beyond these claims, Israel has taken concrete steps to restrict UNRWA’s work, including limiting visas for international staff, obstructing humanitarian convoys, restricting the import of essential supplies, and suspending coordination mechanisms.
At the same time, it has lobbied donor states to freeze or condition funding, contributing to a severe financial crisis that has forced UNRWA to scale back services.
Zoom in:
The incident has direct humanitarian implications. UNRWA remains a central provider of education, healthcare, and relief services for millions of Palestinian refugees across the region. Any further erosion of its physical presence and legal standing, particularly in Quds, a city with profound political and symbolic weight, risks disrupting aid delivery and undermining already fragile humanitarian systems, especially amid the ongoing fallout from the Israeli war on Gaza.
What they're saying:
UNRWA spokesman Jonathan Fowler: “This is an unprecedented attack not only against UNRWA and its premises. It constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations."
Yet, Israel foreign minister claims, "UNRWA-Hamas had already ceased its operations at this site and no longer had any UN personnel or UN activity there. The compound does not enjoy any immunity and the seizure of this compound by Israeli authorities was carried out in accordance with both Israeli and international law."
Hamas has repeatedly denied the claims regarding its link with Hamas.
Go deeper:
UNRWA: Israel Detained Over 50 Agency Staff in Gaza, Committed Shocking Abuses
19 Killed in Israeli Attack on UNRWA Hospital in Jabalia, Toll May Increase
F.abedi - seyed mohammad kazemi
