'Israeli' army demolishes buildings at UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- 'Israeli' forces demolish UNRWA facilities in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem, raising questions about the agency’s future in the city.
- New 'Israeli' laws restrict UNRWA operations, claiming links to October 7 events, which the agency denies.
'Israeli' bulldozers began demolishing structures inside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) complex in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Military operation and siege
The 'Israeli' army, accompanied by bulldozers, stormed the UNRWA site after sealing off surrounding streets and intensifying military presence in the area.
Sources said the demolition was accompanied by the raising of the 'Israeli' flag over the UN agency’s headquarters, prompting questions about the future of UNRWA operations in Jerusalem.
'Israeli' Army Radio reported that employees from the Israel Land Authority assisted forces in evacuating the premises.
Legal and operational restrictions
The operation follows a law passed by the 'Israeli' Knesset that prohibits UNRWA activities in occupied Palestine, citing alleged involvement by some staff in the October 7, 2023 events, a claim repeatedly denied by the agency and the United Nations, which stressed its neutrality.
The 'Israeli' parliament also approved measures to cut electricity and water to UNRWA offices, with the 'Israeli' energy and infrastructure minister claiming the agency had served as an “executive arm of Hamas”.
