Israeli forces demolished buildings inside a United Nations Palestinian refugee agency compound in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, after seizing the site last year. The demolition, which UNRWA has called illegal, included several large structures previously used for storing aid. Israel claims the compound doesn't have immunity and justified the action citing unpaid property taxes, while UNRWA maintains the premises remain under UN protection.
Israeli bulldozers, backed by security forces, entered the compound around 7 am, forcing out security guards before beginning the demolition. UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler called it an "unprecedented attack" that violates international law and UN privileges, as reported by Reuters.
However, the Israeli foreign ministry defended the demolition, saying that it was carried out "in accordance with both Israeli and international law."
This comes after the October 2024 law passed by Israel banning UNRWA from operating within the country. Israel's actions stem from the assertions that some UNRWA staff participated in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis. This attack ultimately led to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, where Palestinian authorities have reported over 71,000 deaths. Though UNRWA fired several staff members following Israel's allegations, the agency maintains that Israel hasn't provided evidence for all accusations.
The Jerusalem municipality also claims UNRWA owes 11 million shekels ($3.4 million) in property taxes. UNRWA disputed this, saying it has no debts and the compound remains UN property despite Israel's operational ban.
their claim that a number of UNRWA's employees took part in the Hamas attack on Israelis on October 7th, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.
UN and most countries view East Jerusalem as occupied territory, but Israel considers the entire city part of its country. UNRWA continues to provide essential services like education, healthcare, and social support to millions of Palestinians across the Middle East.
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