The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) closed its East Jerusalem office on Friday, following two arson attacks by Israeli extremists. The closure comes amidst investigations into Israeli accusations that UNRWA staff were implicated in the October 7 Hamas attacks.
In a press release, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini revealed the arson incidents occurred while staff were present in the building. While no casualties were reported, the surrounding area suffered damage. The statement recalls an assembled crowd outside the building, chanting for the destruction of the United Nations. Footage of the arson attacks was shared by Lazzarini via his social media account.
“This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of UN staff were at a serious risk. In light of this second appalling incident in less than a week, I have taken the decision to close down our compound until proper security is restored,” Lazzarini stated.
The recent escalation follows months of protests outside the UNRWA compound, spearheaded by an elected member of the Jerusalem municipality, and regular incidents of harassment and intimidation of UN staff, according to Lazzarini.
The Office of Internal Oversight Services is currently investigating Israeli allegations against UNRWA staff members. As a result of the accusations, funding bans from various countries have dealt major financial blows to the UNRWA, although the EU has resumed its financial support after a brief hiatus.
Despite the temporary closure of the East Jerusalem office, the agency plans to continue its efforts remotely.
“It complicates our functioning at a time when of course, we should be fully focused on the unprecedented levels of violence in the West Bank and the enormous, unprecedented level of humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We are proud of our work … We do it because we have a mandate from the United Nations system to do something. Until such time as that mandate no longer exists, we’re not going anywhere,” said Fowler, a UNRWA staff member and eyewitness to the attacks.
For more in-depth coverage and understanding of the situation, you can read the full article here.