Yesterday, December 8, 2025, Israeli forces stormed the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) office in East Jerusalem without authorization, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
The raid included searches inside the compound, the detention of security guards, confiscation of phones, and the raising of the Israeli flag atop the building, cutting off communications and leaving UNRWA staff unable to respond.
This incident follows the UN General Assembly’s recent three-year renewal of UNRWA’s mandate just two days earlier. UNRWA has operated the compound since 1951 and currently supports nearly 6 million registered Palestine refugees across five host states and two occupied territories.
UN Condemnation and Legal Implications
On December 8, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the operation, emphasizing that the site "remains United Nations premises and is inviolable and immune from any form of interference." He cited the International Court of Justice and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, underlining Israel’s obligation to respect UN property.
Reactions and Regional Tensions
Regional leaders and humanitarian groups have warned that the raid risks escalating tensions in East Jerusalem, a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Digital campaigns under the hashtag #ProtectUNPremises gained traction on social media, reflecting global concern among activists and young global citizens.
Looking Ahead
As the UN and member states consider diplomatic responses, observers note this event highlights the fragile status of international law in conflict zones. For business and tech enthusiasts, the incident underscores the challenges of humanitarian operations in politically charged environments.
With attention now on UNRWA’s remaining facilities and staff safety, the global community will be watching whether Israel restores the compound’s inviolability and how the UN will enforce its resolutions in practice.
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Israeli forces storm UNRWA office in Jerusalem, UN issues condemnation
cgtn.com
