Israel demolishes UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem
January 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera
UN Condemns Demolition of UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied East Jerusalem
The United Nations has issued a statement condemning the demolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem. According to the UN, the agency’s premises were destroyed by Israeli authorities.
A spokesperson for the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, has expressed concern over the situation. He stated that the demolition of the UNRWA headquarters is “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for the return and restoration of the agency’s premises as soon as possible.
The incident occurred in occupied East Jerusalem, which is a disputed territory claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. The UNRWA has been operating in the region since 1949, providing assistance to Palestinian refugees.
Details of the demolition are not yet available. However, the UN has called for an immediate investigation into the matter. The agency’s spokesperson has urged calm and restraint from all parties involved.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian population in occupied East Jerusalem. The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining their positions on the disputed territory.
Further information is expected as the situation develops.
Source: Al Jazeera