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Brussels – February 7, 2024 – Eleven nations jointly condemned Israel’s demolition of a key United Nations facility in east Jerusalem, ratcheting up international pressure on the country amid ongoing concerns over humanitarian access and the treatment of Palestinian refugees.
International Backlash Mounts Over Jerusalem Demolition
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A coalition of European and Asian countries is demanding Israel halt further demolitions and uphold international obligations to protect UN premises.
- Belgium, Canada, Denmark, france, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom issued the statement.
- The countries specifically criticized the demolition of the headquarters of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
- the statement also called for unimpeded humanitarian aid access to Gaza and adherence to a 2024 plan for the region.
- Israel has passed legislation restricting UNRWA’s operations within it’s borders, including cutting off essential services.
What is UNRWA and why is its work critically important? UNRWA provides critical assistance, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, to Palestinian refugees in gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The agency plays a vital role in addressing the needs of a vulnerable population and maintaining stability in the region.
Demolition and Restrictions on UNRWA Operations
The joint statement from the eleven nations expressed “serious concern” over the demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in east jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and an impediment to the agency’s ability to deliver essential services to Palestinian refugees.
Calls for Humanitarian Access and Adherence to Past Agreements
The statement also referenced a 20-Point Plan for Gaza, proposed by former US President Donald Trump, and called on Israel to fully facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in line with international law.Despite increased aid deliveries, the countries noted conditions in Gaza remain “dire” and supplies are “inadequate.”
the group demanded Israel allow “expanded, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services” throughout Gaza and the West Bank, and lift restrictions on international NGOs operating in the region, including easing registration requirements. They also called for the reopening of all crossing points,including the Rafah crossing,and an end to restrictions on “dual-use” goods essential for humanitarian and recovery efforts.
The Knesset passed legislation in October 2024 prohibiting UNRWA from operating within the country and banning contact with the agency. That law was amended last month to also prohibit the supply of electricity and water to UNRWA facilities, following the seizure of the agency’s offices in eastern Jerusalem.
Criticism of UNRWA has centered on allegations of cooperation with Hamas, which Israel says was demonstrated by evidence presented in 2024 showing UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks. A UN review group, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, acknowledged “neutrality-related issues” but stated Israel had not yet provided sufficient evidence of widespread staff membership in terrorist organizations.
Despite these concerns, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ruled that Israel must facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza through UN agencies, including UNRWA-a ruling criticized by both Israel and the United States.