ASIATODAY.ID, NEW YORK — The United Nations issued a forceful condemnation after Israeli police stormed the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, early Monday, in what UN officials described as an unlawful incursion into protected UN territory.
The incident has intensified global concerns over Israel’s growing defiance of international norms amid heightened tensions in the region.
According to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Israeli police and municipal officials forcibly breached the compound, deploying motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts. All communications within the facility were cut, while furniture, IT systems, and other UN property were seized.
In a symbolic move that drew sharp international criticism, the UN flag was removed and replaced with an Israeli flag, raising alarm over the blatant disregard for the legal status of UN premises.
In a rare and strongly worded statement on December 8, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli action:
“This compound remains United Nations premises and is inviolable. Israel must immediately restore and uphold its immunity and refrain from any further interference.”
Guterres stressed that Israel, as a UN Member State, is bound by the UN Charter and its obligations under international law, including treaties that guarantee the protection of UN property and personnel.
The UN reiterated that any executive, legislative, judicial, or administrative action against UN property is strictly prohibited.
The Secretary-General called on Israel to: fully restore the inviolability of the UNRWA compound, prevent further incursions or interference, respect its obligations under the UN Charter and international law, guarantee the protection and immunity of all UN premises and personnel.
UNRWA Warns of a Dangerous Global Precedent
Lazzarini warned that the raid represents “a blatant disregard” of Israel’s legal obligations and sets a dangerous precedent for UN operations worldwide.
He emphasized that Israel is a party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which makes UN facilities immune from search, seizure, or any domestic enforcement action.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also affirmed Israel’s duty to cooperate with UNRWA and other UN agencies—obligations that appear to have been sidelined in recent months.
A Pattern of Escalating Pressure on UNRWA
The Sheikh Jarrah compound has been empty since early 2025 after the Israeli Knesset passed sweeping “anti-UNRWA legislation.”
This latest incident follows: Months of harassment and intimidation, Arson attacks in 2024, Demonstrations targeting UNRWA staff and facilities, Large-scale disinformation campaigns undermining the agency’s work.
UNRWA currently provides health, education, and essential services to around six million Palestine refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (AT Network)
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