Statement by the United Nations Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territory on Unauthorized Demolitions inside UNRWA Compound

The forcible entry into the UNRWA compound by Israeli forces, followed by the demolition of structures using bulldozers and other heavy machinery, constitute a grave violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, as protected under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The UNRWA offices and warehouses have been built and maintained through decades of donor support and have served Palestinian communities across the Occupied Palestinian Territory for more than 70 years. Such actions are unacceptable, severely undermine United Nations operations, and set a dangerous precedent.

The United Nations Country Team reiterates its call on Israel, as a State Party and signatory to the Convention, to uphold its legal obligations and to immediately cease any further actions that contravene international law and undermine the work of the United Nations.

The status of the United Nations must be respected at all times. UN agencies must be able to operate without obstruction in the fulfillment of their mandates.