Israel Demolishes UNRWA Buildings in Occupied East Jerusalem Amid Wider Clampdown on Aid Groups

Israeli authorities have bulldozed buildings belonging to the UNRWA in East Jerusalem, escalating tensions with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations as Israel tightens restrictions on aid operations linked to Palestinians in Gaza.

According to UN officials, Israeli forces carried out the demolition of facilities used by UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for providing education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees.

The agency said the buildings were essential for serving refugee communities in East Jerusalem and described the move as a serious violation of international obligations toward UN institutions.

Israeli authorities said the structures were built without proper permits and were therefore subject to demolition under municipal regulations.

Israel maintains that UNRWA properties in East Jerusalem are not exempt from local planning laws, a position rejected by the United Nations, which argues that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that international law applies.

The demolitions come amid a broader Israeli campaign to restrict the activities of non-governmental organizations and humanitarian agencies assisting Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.

Israeli officials have accused some aid groups of links to militant organizations, allegations that UNRWA and other NGOs have strongly denied. Humanitarian groups warn that such actions are severely undermining their ability to deliver lifesaving assistance to civilians.

UNRWA said the destruction of its facilities threatens access to basic services for thousands of Palestinian refugees and could force the suspension of some operations in East Jerusalem. The agency warned that continued pressure on humanitarian organizations risks deepening the humanitarian crisis, especially as Gaza faces acute shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.

International reaction has been swift, with UN officials and rights groups condemning the demolitions and calling on Israel to respect the neutrality of humanitarian agencies. They argue that targeting UN facilities sets a dangerous precedent and further erodes protections for civilians under international humanitarian law.

The issue has added to already heightened tensions in Jerusalem and the wider region, as the war in Gaza continues and humanitarian access remains severely constrained. Aid agencies say the destruction of UNRWA buildings reflects a shrinking space for humanitarian work in both Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), BBC News