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Israel Approves Defence Compound on Former UNRWA Site East Jerusalem

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel's cabinet approved a defence compound with a military museum and recruitment office on the former United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) site in East Jerusalem.
The approval follows Israel's January demolition of UNRWA structures at the same location.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the project asserts sovereignty, Zionism and security, linking UNRWA to Hamas attacks.
UNRWA said the demolition breached international law, refusing comment on the new plan.

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Story summary

Israel's cabinet approved a defence compound with a military museum and recruitment office on the former United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) site in East Jerusalem.
The approval follows Israel's January demolition of UNRWA structures at the same location.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the project asserts sovereignty, Zionism and security, linking UNRWA to Hamas attacks.
UNRWA said the demolition breached international law, refusing comment on the new plan.