Guterres condemns Israeli move to militarise seized compound in occupied East Jerusalem

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Israel’s decision to establish military facilities at a seized UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem, calling the move “wholly unacceptable”.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General said the decision to use the Sheikh Jarrah compound of the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees for military purposes represented “a breach of the inviolability of United Nations premises” and undermined the agency’s mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory.

“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ decision to establish military facilities at the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem,” seized in January, the statement said.

“Such actions, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), are unlawful. The State of Israel is not entitled to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the occupied Palestinian territory and is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence...as rapidly as possible.”

Mr. Guterres also stressed that “UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations” and that the compound “remains United Nations premises.”

The Secretary-General urged Israel to immediately reverse course and hand the compound back to the UN.

Situation in Gaza

Meanwhile in Gaza, the UN relief coordination office OCHA warned that continued Israeli strikes were hitting residential areas and makeshift shelters housing displaced families.

On Monday, an airstrike struck Jabalya Camp in northern Gaza, damaging tents and tarpaulins sheltering around 30 families. Humanitarian teams are assessing needs and working to provide emergency assistance.

“We reiterate that civilians and civilian facilities must be protected at all times,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at the regular noon briefing in New York.

Access challenges

Aid agencies also reported persistent obstacles to humanitarian movements in areas where Israeli authorities require prior coordination.

According to OCHA, one humanitarian convoy was delayed for about an hour at an Israeli holding point, while another mission transporting refrigerated supplies had to be cancelled due to delays reaching the Kerem Shalom crossing.

A separate mission was abandoned after the designated route was found impassable.

“These constraints have made it challenging for aid groups to provide assistance and essential supplies to people,” Mr. Dujarric said.

Aid efforts

Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners continue to scale up assistance.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has brought around 2,500 more durable temporary housing units into Gaza since January, with more than half already installed for use as homes, clinics and classrooms.

The UN estimates that some 900,000 people across Gaza urgently require shelter assistance and durable housing solutions.

Agencies and partners are also supporting the daily production of around 130,000 bread bundles distributed for free through shelters and community centres and sold at subsidized prices at some 170 shops across the enclave.