12 Countries and EU Condemn Israel's Raid on UNRWA Facility in East Jerusalem

On August 25, Israel conducted a raid on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem, seizing the organization's facilities. The operation drew international attention after images were widely circulated by global news agencies. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attended the raid despite warnings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who feared his presence could escalate the situation and provoke international criticism.

A joint statement condemning Israel's actions was issued by 12 countries and the European Union, all members of UNRWA's advisory committee. The signatories included Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. They reaffirmed their support for UNRWA, emphasizing that UN premises are protected under international law and called on Israel to immediately cease all disruptions to UNRWA's mandated activities.

Within Israel, there was no dispute over the necessity of evacuating the compound, which had been planned operationally and publicly. The main contention was whether Ben-Gvir should accompany the forces, with Netanyahu, Gallant, and Sa'ar concerned his presence might turn the event into a provocative spectacle similar to a previous incident involving him. Ben-Gvir insisted on attending, stating to Netanyahu that he was enforcing the law and would not back down. Upon arrival, he posted a video wearing a protective vest, declaring the removal of UNRWA and the establishment of a school for children in its place, condemning support for terrorism.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also issued a statement confirming the evacuation, citing a new law and accusing UNRWA employees of involvement in terrorism and the October 7 attacks. The United Nations criticized the raid, with the acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, condemning the unauthorized Israeli entry and illegal seizure of the UNRWA facility in occupied East Jerusalem.