Eleven nations condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA HQ in occupied East Jerusalem, citing international law breach.

A bloc of nine European countries plus Canada and Japan issued a joint statement of condemnation on Wednesday, January 28, regarding the demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem.

The communiqué emphasizes that the destruction of these facilities represents a direct breach of international law. According to the document, such aggression endangers the provision of basic health and education services, worsening the already precarious humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories.

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Consequently, the international powers urged Tel Aviv’s regime to ensure that humanitarian agencies can operate without political pressure or physical obstacles.

The UN had previously denounced that, following the illegal demolition of the structure, the remains of the complex were intentionally set on fire. The organization described these events as part of a strategy to dismantle the refugee status of the Palestinian population and erase their historical legacy.

This is the second attack of this kind on the headquarters in the last two years, following a previous attempt in May 2024.

Furthermore, the implementation of Israeli domestic legislation has compelled the agency’s international staff to leave the occupied territories.

UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler stated that this and previous similar actions contradict the October ruling of the International Court of Justice, which reaffirmed that Israel is obligated under international law to facilitate UNRWA’s operations, not to hinder or prevent them. The court also emphasized that Israel has no jurisdiction over East Jerusalem.

The agency’s report highlights 380 employees killed and 300 facilities destroyed or damaged during the last two and a half years of Israel’s genocidal campaign.

Occupied East Jerusalem, 20/01/2026, Israeli excavators demolishing UNRWA HQ. Photos: EFE.

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