Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jan 20: Israeli forces, accompanied by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Tuesday stormed the closed headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem and demolished several structures inside the compound, eyewitnesses said.

According to witnesses quoted by Anadolu, Israeli crews, backed by at least one bulldozer, entered the UNRWA premises located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood and razed both mobile and permanent structures on the site. They added that Israeli forces also hoisted the Israeli flag over the compound, removing the UN flag.

The action drew sharp reactions as UNRWA facilities are considered protected under international law. However, Israeli officials defended the move.

Aryeh King, deputy mayor of Jerusalem, posted on US-based social media platform X, using derogatory language to describe UNRWA and claiming that its removal from Jerusalem had begun following protests and sustained political pressure.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in East Jerusalem and continued Israeli measures targeting Palestinian institutions and UN agencies operating in the occupied territories.