Israel raids UNRWA offices in East Jerusalem

Israeli authorities entered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) East Jerusalem premises on December 8th, raising Israel’s flag over a compound the U.N. still considers protected diplomatic territory, as reported by Reuters.

The raid, which Israel described as a tax-collection action, drew immediate condemnation from UNRWA, which warned the operation challenged international law and could set a threatening dangerous precedent.

UNRWA has not used the East Jerusalem compound since early 2025, after Israel ordered the agency to vacate its facilities and halt operations in the country. Previously, UNRWA was forced to temporarily close its East Jerusalem HQ, following violent demonstrations by Israelis.

The Jerusalem municipality defended the raid, saying it stemmed from unpaid property taxes totalling 11 million shekels ($3.4 million). According to the municipality, the debt had accumulated despite repeated warnings and ample opportunities for settlement.

UNRWA disputes this, with spokesperson Jonathan Fowler asserting that the agency owes no taxes and has repeatedly reminded Israeli authorities of their commitments under a U.N. convention that Israel has signed.

Following Israel’s ban of UNRWA, which was supported by the US, it has struggled to source funds which have restricted its aid operations in Gaza.

Many countries, including the US, suspended funding to UNRWA, with accusations circulating that members of the organisation were involved in Hamas’s attack on October 7th 2023.

The raid on December 8th occurred after the U.N. General Assembly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, originally established in 1949, for another three years. Fowler declined to link the timing to broader political tensions but noted Israel has engaged in what he described as a “sustained disinformation campaign” aimed at sidelining the agency and transferring its responsibilities to other U.N. bodies.

Israel has long criticised UNRWA, accusing some of its staff of involvement with Hamas and participation in the October 7th attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis. UNRWA has dismissed several employees but says Israel has not provided evidence for all accusations.

Israel’s parliament escalated its stance in October 2024 by passing legislation banning UNRWA from operating in the country and forbidding officials from contact with the agency.

UNRWA continues to operate across East Jerusalem, Gaza, the West Bank and the wider region, where it provides education, healthcare, social services and shelter to millions of Palestinians. Many view the agency as central to preserving their refugee rights and claims to occupied territories dating back to the 1948 war and the humanitarian crisis and displacement of Palestinians, known as the Nakba.

Reuters, Maghrebi.org