European governments have issued strong condemnations against Israel’s demolition of a United Nations compound in occupied East Jerusalem, characterizing the action as a severe breach of international legal obligations. The raid, led by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, targeted the premises of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, in Sheikh Jarrah on Tuesday.
UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer expressed being ‘appalled’ by the demolition, labeling it ‘another attack on the UN’s vital work for Palestinians.’ Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Brevot denounced the operation as ‘a flagrant violation of international law and UN immunities,’ while EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s support for the UN and rules-based international order.
The incident represents an escalation in Israel’s systematic campaign against UNRWA, which serves as the primary humanitarian provider for approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across the region. The agency delivers essential services including education, food distribution, medical care, and fuel supplies, with its potential closure threatening catastrophic consequences for vulnerable populations.
Ardi Imseis, who represented Palestine before the International Court of Justice, stated the demolition directly contravenes the ICJ’s advisory opinion regarding Israel’s obligations toward UN entities operating in occupied territories. ‘This is but the latest blatant violation of Israel’s obligations both as an occupying power and as a member of the United Nations,’ Imseis told Middle East Eye.
UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler described the operation as ‘the latest low’ in an escalating effort to dismantle the agency’s presence, characterizing it as ‘shocking – the absolute, deliberate, unabashed defiance of international law.’ Fowler warned that the Qalandia Training Center, serving 350 vocational students, may be the next target for expropriation.
The demolition occurs alongside Israel’s ongoing blockade preventing UNRWA from delivering aid to Gaza since March 2025, despite the agency continuing operations with approximately 12,000 staff providing essential services. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned Israel that its actions violate UN legal protections, with diplomatic correspondence suggesting potential ICJ proceedings regarding alleged breaches of the 1946 Convention on UN Privileges and Immunities.
Israel’s hostility toward UNRWA stems partially from the agency’s maintenance of refugee status for Palestinians displaced since the 1948 Nakba. Previous Israeli allegations against UNRWA staff were found unsubstantiated by UN reviews and the ICJ, which emphasized the agency’s impartiality and indispensable role in Palestinian relief operations.