Hadash on Tuesday, January 20, denounced the demolition by Israeli police of buildings inside a compound of UNRWA in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, describing the move as a “dangerous escalation and a flagrant breach of international law.” In a statement Hadash said that the action constituted a violation of the privileges and immunities of UN organizations.
Racist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir tours the UNRWA offices in occupied East Jerusalem as Israeli forces demolish the building following legislation passed by the Knesset, January 20, 2026 (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Hadash called on the United Nations to assume its responsibilities under international law, hold the occupation authorities accountable for these actions that violate international law, and ensure the continuation of UNRWA’s work in providing its services to Palestinian refugees until their issue is resolved in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
Hadash Spokesperson reaffirmed the front’s rejection and condemnation of what he described as an illegal and illegitimate act, as well as Israel’s ongoing, systematic campaign as an occupying power targeting UNRWA, its presence, and its vital activities. He said the far-right government measures were intended to undermine UNRWA and its symbolic role in affirming the right of Palestinian refugees to return and to compensation under international law and a clear attempt to deprive the Palestinian people of essential rights and services endorsed by the international community and relevant UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 194.
According to Hadash MK Aida Touma-Sliman, “Israeli forces stormed UNRWA’s headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, tore down the UN flag, replaced it with the Israeli flag, and began demolishing offices. This is a deliberate step in Israel’s long-standing campaign to dismantle UNRWA and undermine the refugees’ right of return. It constitutes a systematic assault not only on UNRWA, but on the foundations of international law and the international community itself.”
Roland Friedrich, UNRWA director in the occupied West Bank, said the deplorable scenes of UN buildings being raised to the ground by Israeli bulldozers are a capstone to mounting hostility and attacks on UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past two years. He added in a post on X, “They follow amendments in December 2025 to the hostile Israeli anti-UNRWA legislation to further tighten the noose on the UN’s presence in East Jerusalem. Today’s actions surpass even the provisions of those illegal laws.”
He said: “A dark day for the UN draws to a close in East Jerusalem. This morning at dawn, armed Israeli security forces arrived at UNRWA’s compound in Sheikh Jarrah. Bulldozers forcibly entered the compound shortly, thereafter, immediately starting to demolish buildings inside the compound. Our offices and warehouses have been built and maintained through decades of donor support and have served Palestine refugees across the occupied Palestinian territory for more than seventy years.”
He added, “In an act of endorsement at the highest levels, the Israeli Minister of National Security, the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, and at least two members of the Israeli Knesset joined to relish in the destruction of humanitarian infrastructure.” He noted that over the years, “I have watched Israeli authorities routinely deploy demolitions of Palestinian property and homes in the West Bank with impunity, to enact changes on the ground outside of the bounds of international law. Today’s actions are unprecedented, wherein recognized UN premises are being demolished contrary to the basic obligations that govern all UN member states.”
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32430
