Britain and a group of allied governments, including France and Canada, have publicly criticized Israel following the demolition of a United Nations facility in East Jerusalem, elevating the issue into a significant diplomatic moment with implications for humanitarian operations across the Middle East. The coordinated response, issued through an official joint statement, underscores mounting international concern over the treatment of UN infrastructure linked to Palestinian refugee assistance and the broader regulatory environment facing humanitarian agencies operating in areas under Israeli control.
Joint UK, France, and Canada Statement Condemning Demolition of UNRWA East Jerusalem Compound
In a joint declaration published on the British government’s official website, foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, and Spain collectively expressed strong opposition to the demolition carried out by Israeli authorities at the East Jerusalem compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The ministers stated that they had urged the Israeli government, as a member of the United Nations, to bring all demolition activities to a halt, emphasizing the importance of respecting UN premises and safeguarding humanitarian operations.
International Response to Israeli Actions Against UNRWA Operations in Jerusalem
According to UNRWA, Israeli forces entered its East Jerusalem headquarters last week and began demolishing buildings, an action the agency said took place in the presence of Israeli lawmakers. The development followed a period of heightened political and legislative pressure on UNRWA by Israeli authorities. In late 2024, Israel’s parliament passed legislation preventing the agency from operating in areas under Israeli control, with further amendments approved in December to reinforce that ban. Those measures prompted criticism from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of the impact on humanitarian assistance. Israel has accused UNRWA of links to Hamas, allegations that the United Nations has rejected, while humanitarian officials have repeatedly noted that the agency remains central to the delivery of food, water, medical supplies, and essential services to Palestinian refugees across the region. The latest diplomatic statement reflects continued international scrutiny of actions affecting UN facilities and aid delivery, as documented by official government releases and UN reporting.