UN Condemns Israeli Police Raid on UNRWA Office in East Jerusalem

The United Nations country team in the occupied Palestinian territories has strongly condemned the forced entry by Israeli police and municipal officials into the offices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.

In a statement, the UN emphasized that the compound and buildings of the agency are part of official United Nations premises and, under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, are protected from interference, inspection, or seizure. As a signatory to the convention, Israel is obligated to abide by and enforce its provisions.

The UN pointed out that unauthorized entry, the disruption of communications, the removal of the UN flag, and the raising of an alternative flag constitute serious violations of international law. The statement called on Israeli authorities to immediately respect the sanctity of UN premises, restore the status quo, and refrain from such actions in the future.

International legal experts say such incidents could strain relations between Israel and UN agencies, and further highlight Tel Aviv’s disregard for international legal standards.