8 December 2025
From Philippe Lazzarini, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)
Today in the early morning, Israeli police accompanied by municipal officials forcibly entered the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA compound in East Jerusalem. Police motorcycles, as well as trucks and forklifts, were brought in and all communications were cut. Furniture, IT equipment and other property was seized. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ flag was pulled down and replaced with an Israeli flag.
This latest action represents a blatant disregard of Israel¡¯s obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect and respect the inviolability of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ premises.
Following months of harassment that included arson attacks in 2024, hateful demonstrations and intimidation, supported by a large-scale disinformation campaign, as well as anti-Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in breach of its international obligations, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA personnel were forced to vacate the compound at the beginning of this year.
However, whatever action taken domestically, the compound retains its status as a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ premises, immune from any form of interference.
Israel is party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ. The Convention makes Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ premises inviolable – in other words, immune from search and/or seizure – and makes Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ property and assets immune from legal process.
The International Court of Justice has also underscored that Israel is obliged to cooperate with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA and other Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ agencies.
There can be no exceptions. To allow this represents a new challenge to international law, one that creates a dangerous precedent anywhere else the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is present across the world.
Related content:
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA)
Subject: Convention: Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Incidents, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA
Publication Date: 08/12/2025
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