Israel Demolished UNRWA HQ: 11 Nations Condemn Action

A group of 11 countries on Wednesday issued a statement condemning Israel’s recent demolition of the eastern Jerusalem headquarters of the UN’s agency for “Palestinian refugees”, UNRWA, calling on Israel to halt the demolitions.

The statement was issued by the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal,⁤ Spain and the United Kingdom.

“This unprecedented act ⁤against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate. We urge the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the UN General convention (1946) and the Charter. We call upon the Government of Israel, a member of the United⁢ Nations, to halt all demolitions,” the countries stated.

“We reiterate our full support for UNRWA’s indispensable mission to provide essential services and humanitarian⁤ assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian⁢ Territories, including East Jerusalem. We⁣ welcome UNRWA’s commitment to reform and implementation of the recommendations of the colonna Report to ensure they meet ⁤the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the‍ region, notably in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions,” they added.

“We reiterate our deep concern regarding the submission by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted⁤ by the Knesset in October 2024⁢ and strengthened in December 2025, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities and⁢ officials and UNRWA, prohibiting and de facto preventing⁢ any UNRWA presence within Israel ⁢and in Jerusalem including the supply of electricity, water and gas to properties registered under UNRWA.”

The 11 countries also called on Israel to abide by US⁢ President Donald Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza.

“We call on the Government of Israel ⁤to fully abide ⁤by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain

## UNRWA and Allegations of Hamas Ties

The text alleges issues⁣ with neutrality at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near east ( UNRWA) and criticizes a recent International Court of⁤ Justice (ICJ) ruling regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza.Here’s⁢ a verification⁢ of the claims, ⁣as of January ⁤29, 2026:

### ‍Allegations Against UNRWA Staff

The claim that Israel has yet to provide evidence that a significant number of⁢ UNRWA staff are members of terrorist organizations is⁣ contested. Following allegations in January 2024,⁢ Israel provided intelligence to several countries funding UNRWA,alleging that twelve UNRWA employees were involved ⁢in the October 7,2023 Hamas⁢ attack. The U.S. State Department ⁢ confirmed receiving this information. Several countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands,⁢ Switzerland, Finland, austria, Luxembourg, and Japan, suspended funding to UNRWA ⁢based ⁢on these allegations.

An independent review, led by ⁢catherine Colonna, former French Foreign Minister, was commissioned by the UN. The report, released ‍in ⁤April 2024, found ‍that while UNRWA had mechanisms to ensure neutrality, there were gaps. It ⁣also stated that Israel provided information about the⁤ alleged involvement of UNRWA staff, but ⁤did not provide evidence⁤ of the alleged affiliation of staff with terrorist groups. The report recommended steps to improve neutrality⁢ and accountability.

### ICJ Ruling and Reactions

the text accurately states that the ICJ ruled on January 26, 2024, that Israel must take⁤ all measures within its power to ensure the ⁣provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian‍ assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.the ruling specifically mentioned facilitating the entry of aid through UN agencies, including UNRWA.

The text is also correct that Israel criticized the ICJ ruling, calling it “outrageous” and claiming it was “a dangerous precedent.” The United states also expressed concerns about the ruling, particularly regarding the implication that UNRWA could be relied upon to distribute aid impartially.

### Current Status (as of January 29, 2026)

As of January 29, 2026, the situation remains complex. Several countries have resumed funding to UNRWA following the Colonna report and commitments from UNRWA to address the identified shortcomings. Tho, concerns about UNRWA’s‍ neutrality and potential ties to Hamas persist, particularly within Israel and among some Western governments. The ICJ ruling remains in effect, and Israel continues to face ⁢international pressure to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ongoing conflict ‍in Gaza continues to impact the delivery of aid and the operations of UNRWA.