UN Buildings in East Jerusalem Become Targets
In a recent development, a couple of facilities located in East Jerusalem and linked to a United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees have been targeted. The agency is responsible for providing humanitarian aid to millions of people across the region.
The buildings in question, including the offices in Sheikh Jarrah and a vocational school in Qalandia, had demolition teams brought in and tear gas utilized. This has been regarded as the most recent and significant move against the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.
Demolition of UN Buildings
The West Bank director of the agency mentioned that they were informed about the arrival of the demolition teams and the police at their East Jerusalem headquarters. The staff had ceased operations at the building almost a year prior due to safety concerns, but the invading forces removed devices and ejected the private security guards stationed there for protection.
The director classified this move as a culmination of a two-year campaign against the agency in East Jerusalem, stating that it's a violation of international law that ensures protection for such facilities. Reports also suggest that tear gas was fired at a vocational school located on the outskirts of Jerusalem that offers job training in technology and welding to over 300 young refugees.
Israel's Stance
On the other hand, the Foreign Ministry of Israel justified the demolition by citing a new law that has banned the agency. They declared that they own the site and rejected the agency's claims that this move violated international law.
Israel has long held the view that the agency is biased against them, often without substantial evidence. They have accused the agency of employing and maintaining ties with militant groups, including Hamas. The UN and the agency have categorically rejected these claims and asserted that they promptly remove any staff suspected of militant activities.
Impact on the Agency's Operations
The agency's purpose is to provide aid and services to approximately 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem. They also assist 3 million more refugees in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. They have been operating schools, providing healthcare, and maintaining infrastructure in refugee camps for several years.
However, their operations faced setbacks last year when Israeli legislation cut ties with the agency and banned it from operating in areas defined as Israel, including East Jerusalem. This demolition could potentially disrupt operations at the vocational center in Qalandia and the health facility in Shua'fat, where they continue to provide education and health services.
Reactions and Implications
Following the demolition, an Israeli flag was seen raised above the facility in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, where several Israeli politicians arrived to celebrate. They regard it as a historic day.
The demolition represents the apex of years of criticism against the agency from Israel and its leaders. They argue that the agency harbors pro-Palestinian sentiments and maintains ties with militant groups like Hamas. Despite providing little evidence to back up these claims, they have continued to accuse the agency of facilitating Hamas, a claim that the UN has consistently denied.
Ever since Israel passed the law banning the agency, their facilities, including schools, health centers, and headquarters, have been repeatedly closed, raided, or left unprotected. Supporters of the agency argue that these attacks aim to sideline the issue of Palestinian refugee status, which is one of the most contentious points dividing Israelis and Palestinians.
This development has raised concerns about the potential implications for other international organizations and diplomatic missions worldwide. Some fear that what happened to this UN agency could happen to others in the future.
International Funding
In 2018, under the administration of President Donald Trump, the United States cut funding for the agency. However, this decision was reversed in 2021 under President Joe Biden, although funding was paused again in 2024.
Regulation of Aid Groups
Israel's ban on the agency is in line with its broader efforts to deregister aid groups operating in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank. Laws have been passed requiring non-governmental organizations to refrain from hiring staff involved in activities that "delegitimize Israel" or support boycotts. They are also required to register lists of names as a condition of being permitted to work.
Dozens of groups have been told that their licenses will expire at the end of 2025. These groups, including international aid organizations, have argued that the new rules are arbitrary and warned that the ban could harm a civilian population in dire need of humanitarian aid.