Israeli bulldozers began demolishing facilities on Tuesday inside the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, AFP correspondents reported, as Israel’s Foreign Ministry defended the move.

The ministry said the so-called “UNRWA-Hamas agency” had ceased operations at the site and that no United Nations employees or activities were present there.

It added: “This complex does not enjoy any immunity, and the Israeli authorities have seized it in accordance with both Israeli law and international law.”

Following Israel’s law banning UNRWA activity, the Israel Land Authority—backed by police—has seized the UNRWA compound in Jerusalem’s Ma’alot Dafna neighborhood.
The site is returning to state control and will be redeveloped for public use. pic.twitter.com/UXiSL3tZXx

— Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) January 20, 2026

“Unprecedented attack”
In response, UNRWA condemned what it described as an “unprecedented attack” after Israeli bulldozers began demolishing facilities inside its East Jerusalem headquarters.

UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler told AFP that Israeli forces “stormed” the UN agency’s compound shortly after 7 a.m. (05:00 GMT) and that bulldozers began demolishing the facilities.

“This is an unprecedented attack on UNRWA and its premises, and it also constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities endowed upon the United Nations,” he said.

Israel has repeatedly accused UNRWA of providing cover for Hamas militants, saying some of its employees took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.