Spain and ten other countries condemn Israel’s demolition of UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem

Eduardo González The foreign ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have “strongly” condemned the demolitions carried out on January 20 by Israeli authorities of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. In a joint statement released this Wednesday, January 28, the eleven signatory foreign ministers warn that “this unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN member state marks the latest unacceptable step to undermine” UNRWA's ability to operate. “We urge the Government of Israel to comply with its international obligations to guarantee the protection and inviolability of United Nations facilities in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter and the UN General Convention (1946). We call on the Government of Israel, a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions,” the text continues. The signatory ministers reiterate their “full support for UNRWA’s indispensable mission to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem” and welcome “UNRWA’s commitment to reform and implement the recommendations of the Colonna Report to ensure that it meets the highest standards of neutrality and integrity.” “UNRWA is a service provider that offers health and education assistance to millions of Palestinians throughout the region, especially in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions,” the joint statement warns. Therefore, the foreign ministers reiterate their “deep concern regarding the Israeli government’s implementation of legislation passed by the Knesset in October 2024 and strengthened in December 2025, which prohibits any contact between Israeli state entities and UNRWA officials, effectively banning and preventing any UNRWA presence in Israel and Jerusalem, including the supply of electricity, water, and gas to properties registered in UNRWA’s name.” The statement recalls that Israel accepted US President Donald Trump’s 20-Point Plan, which committed to ensuring the entry and distribution of aid to Gaza, led by the UN and the Red Crescent and without interference. “We call on the Israeli government to fully comply with its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law,” the text continues. “Despite the increased aid entering Gaza, conditions remain precarious and the supply is insufficient to meet the needs of the population,” it adds. “Therefore, we call upon the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps: allow the expanded, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services throughout Gaza and the West Bank, in accordance with international humanitarian law; ensure that international NGOs can operate in Gaza, even lifting the restrictive registration requirements; reopen all border crossings, including the announced plans to reopen the Rafah crossing in both directions; and lift the remaining restrictions on imports of humanitarian goods, including items considered ‘dual-use’ that are essential for humanitarian and early recovery operations,” the statement concludes.

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