UNRWA Headquarters in Jerusalem Shuts Down After Arson Attacks Attributed to Israelis
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for providing aid to Palestinian refugees, has closed its East Jerusalem headquarters following a series of hostile acts, including a recent arson. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, announced the closure, stating it would remain in effect until adequate security measures are implemented to protect staff and facilities.
This decision was triggered by an arson attack on the compound’s perimeter, marking the second such incident in a week. Lazzarini posted on his X account: “Over the past two months, Israeli extremists have been staging protests outside the UNRWA compound in Jerusalem, called by an elected member of the Jerusalem municipality. This week, the protest became violent when demonstrators threw stones at UN staff and at the buildings of the compound.”
He continued. “Over the past months, UN staff have regularly been subjected to harassment and intimidation. Our compound has been seriously vandalized and damaged. On several occasions, Israeli extremists threatened our staff with guns.” Lazzarini emphasized the grave risk these attacks pose to UN personnel and criticized the insufficient protective measures provided by Israel, the occupying power, as per international mandates.
According to Israel Police, “Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest the act was taken by young minors, purportedly falling below the statutory age threshold for criminal liability.”
The closure highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel facing accusations from some quarters of not adequately safeguarding UN operations. This situation is further complicated by longstanding Israeli criticisms of UNRWA, which some Israeli officials claim has ties with Hamas—a claim the United Nations vehemently denies.
The backdrop to this unfolding situation includes Israel’s assertion of sovereignty over all of Jerusalem, a stance at odds with Palestinian aspirations for East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state. The ongoing demonstrations outside the UNRWA headquarters, coupled with direct attacks on the facility, underscore the complex and volatile dynamics between Israeli nationalists, Palestinian advocates, and international peacekeeping efforts.
