Overview
- Israeli forces entered the UNRWA compound around 7 a.m. local time, ousted security guards, seized equipment and began razing multiple buildings with bulldozers.
- UNRWA condemned the operation as an unprecedented attack that violates international law and United Nations privileges and immunities.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the site has no immunity, asserted state ownership and defended the demolition as enforcement of domestic legislation consistent with international law.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the site and praised the action, which follows a 2024 Knesset ban on UNRWA operations and a 2025 vote enabling utility cutoffs to UNRWA facilities.
- Former agency staff said some demolished structures had stored aid for Gaza and the West Bank, as UN officials warn the campaign against UNRWA and other NGOs threatens humanitarian services and could trigger legal consequences.