Israeli forces demolish UNRWA's East Jerusalem headquarters

Israeli military operations led to the demolition of UNRWA’s main building in East Jerusalem, resulting in staff displacement and device confiscation. The action followed a national law banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and restricting its access to utilities.

By Conor McAuley1 min read

Israeli forces demolished the main UNRWA building in East Jerusalem on 20 January 2026. The operation displaced staff and resulted in the confiscation of their personal devices.

The demolition occurred after Israel passed a law in October 2024 banning UNRWA from operating within its territory. The law was recently amended to prohibit water and electricity supplies to UNRWA facilities.

Israeli authorities had previously seized UNRWA’s offices in occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Authority condemned the action as part of a broader pattern targeting the agency’s mandate.