Eleven countries, including nine European states alongside Canada and Japan, have condemned the Israeli authorities’ demolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem.
They described the move as a dangerous and unprecedented escalation against a United Nations agency, warning that it undermines UNRWA’s ability to carry out its humanitarian mission amid worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the countries called on Israel to halt all demolition operations, open border crossings, and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza and the West Bank, in line with international humanitarian law.
On 20 January, Israeli occupation authorities demolished facilities and mobile offices inside UNRWA’s headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated in the demolition, which was widely described as a direct violation of a UN agency’s mandate.
An unprecedented measure undermining UNRWA’s work
The joint statement described the demolition as “an unacceptable and unprecedented act against a United Nations agency,” noting that it is part of a broader campaign to obstruct UNRWA’s operations.
The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Spain, as well as Canada and Japan. The signatories emphasised the breadth of international opposition to Israel’s actions. They reaffirmed their full support for UNRWA and the services it provides to millions of Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza. The countries also welcomed the agency’s commitment to reform and implementation of the recommendations contained in the Colonna report.
The statement expressed grave concern over Israeli Knesset legislation passed in October 2024 and reinforced in December 2025. The laws prohibit UNRWA’s work and official communication with Israeli authorities, while also cutting electricity and water to agency facilities.
Demands to open crossings and allow aid
The signatory states urged Israel to fully facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza and the West Bank. They referenced Israel’s stated agreement to a 20-point aid plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The plan provides for aid entry and distribution under United Nations and Red Crescent leadership, without interference.
The statement stressed that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire and that current supplies fall far short of minimum needs. It called for international NGOs to operate freely and for restrictive registration requirements to be lifted. The countries also demanded the reopening of all crossings, including the Rafah crossing in both directions. They urged the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian materials, including items designated as “dual-use,” which are essential for relief and early recovery.
Palestinian and international responses
Hamas welcomed the joint statement, describing the international position as significant. The movement called on the signatory states to translate condemnation into concrete political pressure.
It urged governments to ensure UNRWA can resume its humanitarian work without restrictions or political blackmail.
Hamas also called on other countries to adopt similar positions and increase pressure on Israel to end its attacks on UNRWA and respect its UN mandate.
In a related response, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese accused Israel of waging a systematic assault on the United Nations system. She warned that the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters represents a dangerous escalation against both international institutions and the Palestinian people.
Albanese called for the suspension of Israel’s UN membership and the imposition of sanctions, stating that the actions constitute flagrant violations of international law and humanitarian principles.
Featured image via ECFR
By Alaa Shamali
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