JERUSALEM: The headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem was targeted by Israeli forces, destroying parts of the agency’s offices. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, described the action as “a historic and important day for sovereignty over Jerusalem,” claiming that “terrorism supporters” have been driven out from the site. In response, UNRWA labeled the attack as “unprecedented,” while the local government in Jerusalem termed it a “dangerous escalation” and “an assault on a UN agency with international immunity.” The agency emphasized that Israel holds no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or the active institutions therein. This incursion followed the passage of Knesset laws aimed at limiting UNRWA’s activities and cutting off water and electricity supplies to some of its facilities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had previously warned that if this trend continues, Israel would be referred to the International Court. Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s actions, deeming them a violation of international law.
