International Condemnation of Israel's Demolition of UNRWA Headquarters

On January 20, 2026, Israeli authorities demolished the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) located in East Jerusalem. This action has drawn widespread condemnation from a coalition of eleven countries, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The foreign ministers of these nations issued a joint statement describing the demolition as an "unprecedented act" that undermines the operations of a UN agency.

11 countries condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, describe move as unacceptableUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitions9 European countries, Canada, and Japan condemn Israel's demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East JerusalemDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statementEurope, Canada and Japan condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA HQ in occupied East JerusalemWestern nations condemn Israel for demolishing UN site11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem

The demolition follows the enactment of legislation by the Israeli Knesset in October 2024, which was subsequently strengthened in December 2025. This legislation prohibits any contact between Israeli state entities and UNRWA, effectively barring the agency from operating within Israel and East Jerusalem. The law also restricts the supply of essential utilities such as electricity and water to UNRWA facilities, further complicating the agency's ability to provide humanitarian aid.

11 countries condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, describe move as unacceptable11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in JerusalemDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statementUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitions9 European countries, Canada, and Japan condemn Israel's demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East JerusalemEurope, Canada and Japan condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA HQ in occupied East JerusalemIsrael Seizes U.N. Agency’s Jerusalem Headquarters

The joint statement from the eleven countries urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations under the UN General Convention of 1946, which mandates the protection of UN premises. They called for an immediate halt to all demolitions and emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite an increase in aid entering Gaza, the statement highlighted that conditions remain dire, with supplies inadequate to meet the population's needs.

Europe, Canada and Japan condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA HQ in occupied East Jerusalem11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in JerusalemUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitionsDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement9 European countries, Canada, and Japan condemn Israel's demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem11 countries condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, describe move as unacceptable

Israeli officials have justified the demolition by alleging that UNRWA has become compromised, claiming that the agency has cooperated with Hamas, particularly following accusations that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Oren Marmorstein, a spokesman for Israel’s foreign ministry, stated that UNRWA "has long ceased to be a humanitarian aid organization" and has instead become a "greenhouse for terrorism." This perspective has been met with skepticism from international observers, who argue that UNRWA is essential for delivering humanitarian aid in the region.

How the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks exposed long-running concerns about UNRWA, new film chargesUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitionsIsrael Seizes U.N. Agency’s Jerusalem Headquarters11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem9 European countries, Canada, and Japan condemn Israel's demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East JerusalemDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement

While Israeli authorities assert that UNRWA's operations have been compromised, the agency and various international bodies, including the UN, have rejected these claims. UNRWA has stated that it is committed to reform and has taken steps to address concerns regarding neutrality and integrity. However, the ongoing allegations and the Israeli government's actions have raised significant questions about the agency's future and its ability to operate effectively.

11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in JerusalemHow the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks exposed long-running concerns about UNRWA, new film chargesUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitionsIsrael Seizes U.N. Agency’s Jerusalem HeadquartersDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement11 countries condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, describe move as unacceptable

• “This unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate.” — Joint Statement from the Foreign Ministers of 11 Countries

Demolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement

• “Like all UN Member States & countries committed to the international rule-based order, Israel is obliged to protect & respect the inviolability of UN premises.” — Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Chief

UK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitions

• “has long ceased to be a humanitarian aid organization, serving instead as a greenhouse for terrorism.” — Oren Marmorstein, Spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry

Israel Seizes U.N. Agency’s Jerusalem Headquarters

The demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem represents a significant escalation in Israel's ongoing conflict with the agency. The international community's response underscores the complexities surrounding humanitarian aid in the region, as well as the contentious relationship between Israel and UNRWA. As the situation evolves, the implications for humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank remain uncertain.

9 European countries, Canada, and Japan condemn Israel's demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East JerusalemIsrael Seizes U.N. Agency’s Jerusalem HeadquartersUK, France, Canada among 11 countries condemning Israel’s UNRWA demolitionsEurope, Canada and Japan condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA HQ in occupied East Jerusalem11 nations condemn Israel's demolition of UNRWA headquarters in JerusalemHow the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks exposed long-running concerns about UNRWA, new film chargesDemolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem: joint statement