UNRWA chief condemns fire engulfing East Jerusalem HQ, calls it “criminal act”

• UNRWA chief condemns fire at East Jerusalem headquarters, calling it “criminal acts” amid ongoing demolition.

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has strongly condemned what he described as unprecedented attacks on the United Nations and international law following a fire at the agency’s headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, days after 'Israeli' authorities demolished the site.

In a statement, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the incident reflects “no limits to the defiance of the United Nations and international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

There are no limits to the defiance of the United Nations & international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

After having been stormed & demolished by the Israeli authorities, the UNRWA Headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem has now been set on fire.

Allowing this…

— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) January 25, 2026

Fire Breaks Out at Razed UN Site

'Israel’s' Fire and Rescue Service said a blaze broke out at the UNRWA headquarters facility in East Jerusalem, which had recently been demolished by 'Israeli' authorities.

Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene to contain the fire and prevent its spread.

Officials said firefighters were also searching the ruins to ensure that no individuals were trapped beneath the debris. The cause of the fire has not been officially announced.

Lazzarini: Latest Attack on the UN

Reacting to the incident, Lazzarini said the UNRWA headquarters had been stormed, demolished, and was now set on fire, calling it the latest step in an ongoing effort to dismantle the status of Palestinian refugees.

“Allowing this unprecedented destruction is the latest attack on the UN in the ongoing attempt to dismantle the status of Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and erase their history,” he said.

He stressed that the refugee issue must be resolved through a genuine political process, not through “criminal acts.”

Demolition of UNRWA Complex

The fire followed a demolition operation earlier this week, when 'Israeli' bulldozers began tearing down structures inside the UNRWA complex in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem.

According to local sources, 'Israeli' forces sealed off surrounding streets, intensified military deployment in the area, and raised the 'Israeli' flag over the UN agency’s headquarters during the operation. Employees from the 'Israel' Land Authority reportedly assisted in evacuating the premises.

Legal Measures Against UNRWA

The demolition came after the 'Israeli' Knesset passed legislation banning UNRWA activities in occupied Palestinian territory, citing allegations that some agency staff were involved in the October 7, 2023 events. UNRWA and the United Nations have repeatedly denied the claims, emphasizing the agency’s neutrality.

'Israeli' lawmakers also approved measures to cut electricity and water supplies to UNRWA facilities, with 'Israeli' officials accusing the agency of acting as an extension of Hamas, allegations rejected by UN officials.

International Concern

The incidents have raised growing concern within the United Nations over the safety of its facilities and staff, as well as the future of UNRWA operations in Jerusalem and the wider occupied Palestinian territory.

UNRWA provides essential services, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region.