Israel begins demolition of UNRWA headquarters in east Jerusalem — AP

SABN

Jerusalem, Jan 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Israeli crews have begun demolishing the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in east Jerusalem, according to the Associated Press.

UNRWA stated that staff were removed from the facility in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and their devices confiscated, calling the operation an unprecedented violation of international law and U.N. immunities.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the demolition is being carried out under a new law banning the organization over alleged ties to militant groups, accusations the agency denies. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he accompanied the crews and described the move as a “historic day.”

UNRWA provides education, health services and infrastructure support to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The agency has long faced criticism from Israeli officials, while Palestinians see it as essential for basic services.

Israel has also introduced rules requiring aid groups to register staff lists and comply with restrictions on activities deemed to undermine the state, with dozens of organizations informed their licenses would expire at the end of 2025.