UN agency condemns 'Israeli' raid on East Jerusalem headquarters
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- UN agency strongly condemns 'Israeli' raid on its headquarters in East Jerusalem.
- UN warns the attack threatens Palestinian identity, international law, and could set a dangerous precedent.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) condemned what it called an unprecedented raid by 'Israeli' forces on its headquarters in East Jerusalem, calling it a “new level of open and deliberate challenge to international law, including UN rights and privileges.”
Destruction under government supervision
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said bulldozers entered the agency’s compound and began demolishing buildings under the supervision of the 'Israeli' government and parliamentary officials. He described the move as an unprecedented attack on a UN agency and its premises.
Read more: 'Israeli' army demolishes buildings at UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem
Targeting identity and services
Lazzarini stressed that 'Israel', like any UN member state, is obligated to protect UN premises. He said the raid is part of broader efforts to erase the identity of Palestinian refugees, following the closure of a UNRWA health center in East Jerusalem on January 14 and threats to cut water and electricity to the agency’s educational and health facilities in the coming weeks.
Contradiction with international law
The UN official noted that the measures follow legislation passed by the 'Israeli' government in December, which builds on previous laws against UNRWA, contradicting an October ruling by the International Court of Justice that 'Israel' must facilitate the agency’s work and not obstruct it. Lazzarini emphasized that 'Israel' has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem.
Read more: US invited Israel to join board of peace, 'Israeli' minister says
Warning for the future
He cautioned that the attack on UNRWA could set a precedent for any other international organization or diplomatic mission. Lazzarini warned that international law faces growing assaults and could become meaningless if UN member states fail to respond.
