Condemnation of Attacks on UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem
The United Nations and European Union have strongly condemned the recent attacks on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, which have forced it to temporarily close its headquarters.
The attacks, which included arson and stone-throwing, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for Israel to protect UN facilities and personnel in the occupied Palestinian territories.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “I condemn the recent attack on UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem. Targeting aid workers and humanitarian assets is unacceptable, and must stop.”
The German foreign ministry called out the “escalation of violent protest” and said that “Israel must ensure the protection of UN facilities and personnel in the occupied Palestinian territories”.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc also “strongly condemns the attack”. “It is Israel’s responsibility to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. UNRWA is an irreplaceable lifeline to millions in Gaza and the region,” he said.
French diplomat Catherine Colonna called for the headquarters to be protected following the “unjustifiable violence” and said that the UNRWA “must be able to carry out its mission”.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini announced Thursday the temporary closure of the site after Israelis set fire to its perimeter in the latest in a series of attacks. While there were no casualties, he said the blaze caused extensive damage to the outdoor area.
The Palestinian Authority, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia were among those who had already condemned the arson attack.
The attacks on UNRWA have raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the occupied Palestinian territories and the ability of the agency to carry out its vital work. The international community has called on Israel to take immediate action to protect UN facilities and personnel and to ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees.
