Israeli authorities demolished multiple structures at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem on January 20, 2026, triggering widespread condemnation from global leaders. Witnesses reported Israeli forces replacing the UN flag with an Israeli flag after bulldozers razed mobile offices used by the agency to support Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called the action "an unprecedented attack against a United Nations agency" and warned it sets a dangerous precedent for international organizations' safety. UN Secretary-General António Guterres demanded an immediate halt to the demolition, emphasizing the compound’s inviolable status under international law.
The Palestine Liberation Organization condemned the move as a "blatant attack" on the UN system, while the Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of violating its legal obligations. The incident has intensified scrutiny of escalating tensions in East Jerusalem, with calls for urgent international intervention to protect UN operations.
