UNRWA Office⁤ Damaged ​in ⁢West Bank’s Noor Shams Camp

Philippe ⁣Lazzarini, the⁣ commissioner of the ⁣United⁢ Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA),​ stated⁣ that Israeli bulldozers damaged the agency’s office⁢ in the West Bank’s Noor Shams camp on Thursday. This incident marks the​ latest accusation denied by‌ Israel.

Lazzarini reported on ‍the “X” platform that the office suffered severe ⁢damage and was ‍no longer ‌fit for use. The commissioner expressed concerns about the impact of this incident on the agency’s operations.

In response to ‍the allegations, the Israeli ⁢army issued a statement‌ denying responsibility for any⁢ damage to the ⁢building. The ‍statement claimed that explosives were planted⁤ around the UNRWA office and detonated in an attempt to harm the soldiers.

The incident occurred amidst rising tensions between Israel and UNRWA. On Monday, Israel approved a law banning‌ UNRWA from operating in the country, which could affect the‌ agency’s work in the⁣ war-torn​ Gaza Strip.

The law was drafted in response to allegations of UNRWA employees’ involvement ‍in the October ⁢7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, as well as their membership in Hamas and other armed groups. Lazzarini described the vote ⁣as a “dangerous‍ precedent” that contradicts the UN Charter and violates Israel’s obligations under international law.

Israeli Prime​ Minister Benjamin ‌Netanyahu emphasized the need to hold UNRWA workers accountable for their actions. The ⁢incident has sparked concerns about the future of UNRWA’s operations in the region and the impact on ⁤Palestinian refugees.