Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 15, 2026 International law
The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the "illegal entry by Israeli authorities" on January 12, 2026, into a United Nations facility in occupied East Jerusalem—the UNRWA medical center—and the order to temporarily close it. This was stated in a statement released Thursday by the UN Secretary-General's press office.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) medical center in Jerusalem serves hundreds of Palestinians daily and, for most, is their only source of primary healthcare. The UN emphasizes that its closure directly threatens people's access to vital healthcare services.
The statement noted that these actions followed the seizure by Israeli authorities UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah area, and also after the Knesset adopted the law on the termination of UNRWA activities in the territory of the State of Israel and amendments to it.
On 8 January 2026, the Secretary-General expressed his grave concern to the Prime Minister of Israel and brought the situation to the attention of the President of the General Assembly and the President of the UN Security Council.
The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the news that UNRWA has been notified of the imminent cessation of electricity and water supplies to several of its facilities in occupied East Jerusalem. Such steps, the statement emphasizes, could have grave humanitarian consequences.
The UN regrets that the Israeli authorities continue to take actions inconsistent with their obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. These measures violate the principle of the inviolability of UN premises and impede the implementation of the General Assembly's clear mandate to continue UNRWA's operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
The statement recalls that, as recently confirmed, International Court of Justice, any executive, administrative, judicial or legislative action with respect to the property and assets of the United Nations is prohibited by the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to take immediate steps to restore the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah and the UNRWA Medical Centre in Jerusalem, and to ensure the continued supply of essential public services to all Agency facilities.
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