Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 20, 2026 International law
Reports of Israeli forces demolishing the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem early Tuesday morning have sparked a strong reaction from the United Nations.
Agency head Philippe Lazzarini called the incident an "unprecedented attack" on the UN, whose premises are protected by international law.
"The same thing could happen to any other organization or diplomatic mission, anywhere in the world," Lazzarini warned.
These concerns are shared by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who expressed "outrage" at the incident. The incident, he said, signals a sharp escalation of tensions between the Israeli authorities and UNRWA.
"This exacerbates what we have been seeing for some time: attacks on humanitarian organizations and UN agencies trying to provide assistance," said High Commissioner spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.
On January 14, Israeli forces entered the UNRWA medical center in East Jerusalem and ordered its closure. Water and electricity supplies to UNRWA facilities, including buildings used for medical and educational services, are scheduled to be cut off in the coming weeks.
"This is a direct consequence of the Israeli parliament's passage in December of legislation that strengthened existing laws targeting UNRWA and was approved in 2024," Lazzarini noted.
UNRWA facilities have previously been targeted for arson attacks amid a "massive disinformation campaign" by Israel, the head of UNRWA noted.
The UN also recalls the International Court of Justice's ruling last October. The Court ruled that Israel is obligated to "facilitate, not obstruct, UNRWA's activities" and confirmed that Israel has no jurisdiction over East Jerusalem.
"What is happening to UNRWA today could happen tomorrow to any other international organization or diplomatic mission, whether in the occupied Palestinian territory or anywhere else in the world," Lazzarini said.
According to him, international law may “lose its meaning in the absence of a response from states.”
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