Foreign Ministers Condemn Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Headquarters
A coalition of foreign ministers from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom have issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, which took place on 20 January 2026. This action has been described as an unprecedented assault on a UN agency by a member state.
Call for Compliance with International Obligations
The ministers emphasised the need for Israel to adhere to its international responsibilities, particularly regarding the safety and inviolability of UN premises, as outlined in the UN General Convention of 1946 and the UN Charter. They have urged the Israeli government to cease all demolition activities targeting UN facilities.
Support for UNRWA
They reiterated their unwavering support for UNRWA, highlighting its essential role in delivering healthcare and education to Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, particularly in Gaza. The ministers welcomed UNRWA’s commitment to reform, which includes implementing recommendations from the Colonna Report aimed at ensuring the agency operates with the highest standards of neutrality and integrity. However, concerns were raised about Israeli legislation that restricts contact between Israeli state entities and UNRWA, which hampers the agency’s ability to function effectively in areas such as providing essential utilities to its registered properties.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Aid Access
The foreign ministers also referred to commitments made by Israel under former President Trump’s 20-Point Plan, which aimed to facilitate the entry and distribution of aid in Gaza without interference. They called on Israel to fully uphold its obligations under international law to ensure humanitarian aid can reach the Gaza Strip. Despite a noted increase in aid, the current situation for the population in Gaza remains critical, necessitating more comprehensive measures.
Urgent Action Required
In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the ministers urged the Israeli government to take immediate actions to alleviate the situation:
- Ensure the safe and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza and the West Bank, adhering to international humanitarian law.
- Facilitate the operations of international non-governmental organisations in Gaza by lifting restrictive registration processes.
- Reopen all crossing points, including the planned re-opening of the Rafah crossing for bi-directional movement.
- Lift ongoing restrictions on imports of humanitarian goods, including those deemed to have a “dual use,” which are vital for humanitarian and recovery efforts.
Background
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led to significant humanitarian challenges, particularly in Gaza, where access to basic supplies has been severely limited. The role of UNRWA, which provides critical services to millions of Palestinians, has become increasingly strained in this context, exacerbated by recent legislative measures restricting its operations.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/demolition-of-unrwa-headquarters-in-east-jerusalem-joint-statement
