Israeli authorities demolish UN compound in occupied East Jerusalem
BBC News1 day
Israel Demolishes UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem
Is Israel's UNRWA demolition a threat to international law, or justified action against a terror-supporting institution?
Above: Heavy machinery begins demolishing an UNRWA complex in East Jerusalem on Jan. 20, 2026. Image credit: Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
The demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem is an unprecedented assault on international law and U.N. immunity that threatens the entire global order and sets a dangerous precedent where any international organization or diplomatic mission could face similar treatment tomorrow. Israel is carrying out a coordinated campaign to erase Palestinian Refugee identity in direct defiance of the International Court of Justice.
Pro-government narrative
UNRWA has transformed from a humanitarian agency into a terror-supporting institution that perpetuates conflict by keeping Palestinians in permanent refugee status rather than resettling them. Moreover, the agency has employed Hamas operatives as educators, ignored evidence of 100+ employees linked to terrorism and the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. Lasting peace requires resettlement and integration, not maintaining the destructive illusion of mass return.
Public Figures
Go Deeper
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0