Israel UNRWA raid UN flag removed in East Jerusalem HQ

Israel UNRWA raid sees UN flag replaced with Israeli flag in East Jerusalem. UN condemns the move as a violation of international law amid Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces have conducted a controversial raid on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, removing the UN flag and replacing it with Israel’s national flag. The move has drawn widespread condemnation from the UN and international observers, who say it violates international law.

UNRWA Condemns Raid as Violation of International Law

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, stated that Israeli police, accompanied by municipal officials, forcibly entered the Sheikh Jarrah compound early Monday. According to Lazzarini, “Police motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts were used to seize property, IT equipment, and communications systems, while the UN flag was pulled down and replaced.”

The raid follows months of escalating harassment, including arson attacks in 2024, intimidation campaigns, and anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament. These actions have severely restricted UNRWA’s operations in Israel.

Background: Israel Blocks UNRWA Operations

UNRWA has not been able to use the East Jerusalem building since early 2025 after Israeli authorities ordered the agency to vacate its premises. Israel cited claims that some UNRWA staff were involved in the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023. UNRWA denied these allegations, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) later found Israel’s claims to be unsubstantiated.

Despite this, Israel’s restrictions led the United States, historically the largest UNRWA donor, to suspend its funding. The agency was also forced to repatriate international staff from Gaza and the West Bank, limiting vital humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing extreme shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies amid ongoing Israeli attacks.

UN Reaffirms Legal Protections

Lazzarini emphasized that the raid violated Israel’s obligations under international law and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN. “The UN premises retain their legal status, immune from interference, regardless of domestic measures,” he said, describing the raid as “a dangerous precedent for UN operations worldwide.”

The ICJ has repeatedly affirmed that Israel must cooperate with UN humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including those carried out by UNRWA.

UNRWA’s Role in the Region

UNRWA provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, including education, healthcare, social services, and emergency shelter. Its operations are also closely tied to the internationally recognized right of return for Palestinians displaced during the 1948 creation of Israel.

Humanitarian Crisis Amid Rising Violence

The raid comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Local health authorities report that over 70,000 people have been killed and more than 171,000 injured in recent attacks. The disruption of UNRWA operations amid this humanitarian crisis risks exacerbating shortages of food, medical aid, and essential services for vulnerable populations.

Global Reactions and Concerns

International leaders and human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s actions, warning that interference with UN agencies sets a troubling global precedent. Many stress that the protection of UN premises is a core principle of international law, designed to allow humanitarian agencies to operate safely in conflict zones.