Netanyahu Orders UNRWA Evacuation in Jerusalem Despite Ben Gvir's Provocative Visit

Nearly two years after Israel passed a law to cease UNRWA operations within its territory, the evacuation of the UN agency's compound in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Kfar Aqab began on Tuesday. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir personally arrived at the site, defying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to avoid attending and sparking international criticism through a video he posted from the scene.

The day before, following a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu summoned Ben Gvir to discuss the evacuation plan, which had been coordinated for weeks. While there was no dispute over the evacuation itself, Netanyahu was concerned that Ben Gvir's presence with security forces might escalate tensions, likening it to a previous controversial incident. Ben Gvir insisted on attending and promised to keep a low profile, emphasizing his commitment to enforcing the law banning UNRWA in Israel. He claimed his approach was more effective than others and noted that activists no longer wished to return to Israel due to his actions.

At the compound, Ben Gvir, wearing a security vest, declared the end of UNRWA's presence under his watch and announced plans to convert the site into a school for children. Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot also drew attention by smashing a monument to terrorists at the location. Netanyahu later issued a statement affirming the evacuation was in line with Israeli law and condemning UNRWA for alleged involvement in terrorism, specifically referencing the October 7 attacks.

The United Nations condemned the Israeli takeover, with acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov calling the seizure illegal and warning it would deprive 340 Palestinian refugee youths of education and harm thousands more. He urged Israel to restore the compound's immunity and cease further actions against UN property, citing international law and UN charters.

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that Jerusalem Municipality had begun renovating the site to establish a new educational and community complex for thousands of Arab residents, including a new boys' high school set to open in September. The project, funded with over 40 million shekels, is located on land owned by the Jewish National Fund since 1937 and allocated to the municipality. The ministry accused UNRWA of politicizing the area and obstructing local community needs by fencing off the land for decades. It reiterated that UNRWA's activities were banned due to evidence of staff involvement in terrorism and ties to Hamas, contrasting this with municipal efforts to improve daily life for all residents, Jewish and Arab alike.