What's happened
Israeli forces stormed and demolished UNRWA premises in East Jerusalem, citing a 2024 law banning the agency. The move follows ongoing tensions, accusations of links to Hamas, and international condemnation. UNRWA warns these actions threaten humanitarian aid and Palestinian refugees' rights amid the Gaza conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent demolitions of UNRWA facilities by Israel mark a significant escalation in its campaign against the agency, which provides vital humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees. These actions undermine international law, as the UN and the International Court of Justice have called on Israel to facilitate UNRWA's work. The destruction of the East Jerusalem headquarters and the threat to the Kalandia Training Centre in the West Bank are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to weaken Palestinian social infrastructure. Israel's claims of links to Hamas lack conclusive evidence, yet the government continues to justify restrictions and demolitions, framing them as security measures. This approach risks deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, where aid delivery remains inadequate despite international calls for increased support. The international community's response has been mixed, with some countries condemning the actions and others aligning with Israel's security concerns. The long-term impact will likely be a further deterioration of trust between Israel and the UN, complicating efforts to provide humanitarian aid and political solutions in the region. The ongoing conflict and Israel's legal measures threaten to entrench divisions, making future negotiations more difficult and risking further destabilization of the region.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the international condemnation and Israel's legal justifications, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the demolitions and the global diplomatic response. The New Arab provides detailed accounts of the destruction of UNRWA facilities, including statements from UN officials condemning the actions and warning of a dangerous precedent. The Times of Israel offers insight into Israel's legal framework and political motives, emphasizing the government's stance that UNRWA's activities threaten national security. Reuters and The New Arab also detail specific incidents, such as the storming of the East Jerusalem compound and the threat to the Kalandia Training Centre, illustrating the escalation of Israeli measures against the agency. These contrasting perspectives underscore the complex geopolitical and humanitarian dimensions of the story, with some sources framing Israel's actions as security-driven and others as violations of international law and humanitarian principles.
How we got here
UNRWA was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees displaced during Israel's creation. Israel has long accused the agency of bias and links to Hamas, leading to legislation in 2024 banning its operations in Israeli-controlled areas. Recent actions include demolitions and restrictions, amid ongoing conflict and accusations of terrorism support.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s the Latest on US, Israel, and Palestinian Tensions?
Recent developments in global security highlight escalating US military actions in the Caribbean, ongoing Israeli measures against Palestinian communities, and rising conflicts in the Middle East. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for regional stability? Below, we answer key questions to keep you informed on these critical issues.
-
What’s Happening to the Kalandia Training Centre and Palestinian Land Rights?
Recent developments at the Kalandia Training Centre have raised concerns about land expropriation and its impact on Palestinian youth and refugees. With Israeli authorities threatening to expropriate land and close vital educational facilities, many are asking what this means for Palestinian economic opportunities and the future of refugee support. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this situation and what actions are being taken to oppose these measures.
-
What’s Happening Now? Key Questions About Recent Global Hotspots
Recent headlines reveal a complex web of conflicts, protests, and political tensions worldwide. From a tragic shooting in Minneapolis to Israeli actions against UNRWA facilities, and new US-led peace initiatives, these stories raise many questions. Here, we explore the most pressing questions to help you understand what’s really going on and what it means for the world today.
-
What’s happening with UNRWA facilities and aid groups in conflict zones?
Recent developments in conflict zones have raised urgent questions about humanitarian aid, international responses, and safety concerns for aid workers. From the demolition of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem to Israeli demands for NGO data, these issues highlight the complex challenges faced by humanitarian organizations today. Below, we explore the key questions and provide clear answers to help you understand the current situation.
-
How Do International Decisions Impact Local Populations?
Global political actions and conflicts often have profound effects on local communities. From demolitions of humanitarian facilities to international peace initiatives, these decisions shape everyday life in ways that are not always immediately visible. Curious about how these international moves influence civilians and humanitarian efforts? Below, we explore key questions about the ripple effects of global decisions on local populations.
More on these topics
-
Philippe Lazzarini (French: [filip lazaʁini], Italian: [fiˈlip laddzaˈriːni]; born 1964) is a Swiss humanitarian who has been serving as Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
East Jerusalem (Arabic: القدس الشرقية, romanized: al-Quds ash-Sharqiya; Hebrew: מִזְרַח יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, romanized: Mizraḥ Yerushalayim), the portion of Jerusalem east of the Green Line established formally by the armistice
-
Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli lawyer, and a leader in the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party. He is known for defending Jewish radicals on trial in Israel. He has called for the expulsion of Arab citizens of Israel who are not loyal to Israel.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.