The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a strong condemnation following a suspected arson attack targeting its headquarters in occupied Jerusalem. This incident occurred merely days after Israeli authorities demolished the same facility, marking a significant escalation in hostilities against the UN body.
Israeli media outlets reported that emergency services deployed eight firefighting units to the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood overnight to combat the blaze. Preliminary assessments indicate no immediate casualties, with investigations underway to determine the fire’s precise origin and cause.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini responded vehemently via social media platform X, declaring the attack demonstrates ‘there are no limits to the defiance of the United Nations & international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.’ He characterized the destruction as part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Palestinian refugee status and erase their historical narrative, emphasizing that refugee matters require political solutions rather than criminal acts.
This fire follows Tuesday’s demolition of the UN compound by Israeli forces under the leadership of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The complex had been seized previously following Israeli legislation banning UNRWA operations. The agency serves as a critical humanitarian provider for approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, delivering essential services including education, nutrition, healthcare, and fuel distribution. Its potential closure threatens catastrophic collapse of vital support systems.
Israel’s longstanding hostility toward UNRWA stems from the agency’s maintenance of refugee status for Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Nakba and their descendants. The conflict has turned deadly, with over 380 UNRWA employees killed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly cautioned Israel that its actions violate international legal protections afforded to UN operations. In a January 8 correspondence to the General Assembly president, Guterres suggested potential recourse through the International Court of Justice, citing breaches of the 1946 Convention on UN Privileges and Immunities. He explicitly affirmed the inviolability of UN premises and condemned Israel’s interference as a clear violation of its international obligations.