UN chief condemns Israeli raid on Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel after its police forces stormed the Unrwa headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, calling the move a blatant violation of international law.

In a statement on Monday evening, Guterres said: "I strongly condemn the unauthorized entry by Israeli authorities today into the Unrwa headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem. This headquarters remains a UN building, and enjoys immunity and is protected from any interference."

He stressed that international agreements clearly prohibit any “executive, administrative, judicial or legislative action” targeting property belonging to the United Nations, underscoring that Israel is bound by these obligations.

Guterres urged Israel to “act immediately” to restore the inviolability of Unrwa’s facilities, safeguard its staff, and halt any further interference.

The raid comes as Israel continues its escalating campaign against Unrwa, an agency already under immense pressure as it struggles to support Palestinians living under siege and military occupation.