The European Union condemns the demolition of UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem
The European Union's Commissioner for Crisis Management, Haja Habib, expressed the EU's strong condemnation of the Israeli decision to forcibly enter and demolish a UN compound run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. The European official considered this action a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Israel's obligations under international law.
Violation of diplomatic and international immunities
In an official statement, Lahbib called on the Israeli authorities to immediately halt these actions, stressing that the storming and demolition of UN premises is fundamentally inconsistent with the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. This convention obliges all member states, including Israel, to protect and respect the inviolability of the premises of the international organization and to ensure that they are not harmed, which is a fundamental principle in international relations and diplomacy.
Legal context and decisions of the International Court of Justice
The European Commissioner reiterated that the international legal position on this matter is clear, citing the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of October 22, 2025, which explicitly states Israel's obligation not to obstruct the work of UN agencies and to cooperate with them in good faith. This reminder comes at a time of increasing pressure on the UN agency, with the European Union emphasizing the need to ensure respect for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, a right to which UNRWA's mandate is inextricably linked.
UNRWA's pivotal role and regional stability
Historically, UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide aid and protection to Palestinian refugees pending a just solution to their plight. Lahbib emphasized that the European Union is a leading supporter of the United Nations and the international order based on multilateralism and the rule of law. She noted that UNRWA is not merely a relief organization, but an essential part of the international system, playing a pivotal and indispensable role in maintaining international peace and security in the volatile Middle East region.
Serious humanitarian and political repercussions
The statement concluded by reaffirming the European Union's commitment to continuing its political and financial support for UNRWA to ensure the continuation of its vital services in education, health, and social relief. The EU warned that any disruption to the agency's work or any attempt to dismantle it would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences for millions of refugees, as well as serious political, economic, and social repercussions that could lead to an explosion of violence, negatively impacting the conditions necessary for achieving the desired peace and stability in the region.
