UNRWA rejects Israel’s request to evacuate its buildings in Jerusalem and confirms its international immunity

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Occupied Jerusalem – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) rejected the request of the Israeli authorities to evacuate its buildings in occupied Jerusalem by the end of this January, describing the step as a violation of international law and UN obligations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, UNRWA stressed that “the UN buildings are inviolable and enjoy privileges and immunities under the UN Charter,” noting that Israel is bound by the General Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which it has signed and incorporated into its domestic laws.

The agency stressed that “its property and assets, including in East Jerusalem, are protected from inspection, confiscation and any other interference.” It described the Israeli claims of its lack of entitlement to use the buildings as “untrue,” warning that the hostile Israeli rhetoric puts its facilities and staff at risk.

UNRWA pointed out that the Israeli government has openly stated that the evacuation of the agency’s buildings in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood aims to expand the illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, calling on the Israeli authorities to respect and protect its property and facilities in accordance with international law.

The Israeli Knesset had approved in October 2024 a decision to ban UNRWA’s work in the areas it considers under “Israeli sovereignty,” including Jerusalem. In light of this decision, the Israeli representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated that UNRWA should evacuate its buildings and stop its activities in Jerusalem and Gaza.

The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the Israeli occupation’s decision, warning on the “X” platform that the step “risks undermining the ceasefire in Gaza and shattering the hopes of Palestinian refugees.”

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, affirmed that if UNRWA’s activities are stopped, Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure the continuation of the services provided by the agency.

UNRWA reminded the world that the people of Gaza need more than just food aid; they need to bury their loved ones, rebuild their homes, and restore their lives after the ongoing destruction, amid what it described as the occupation’s policies that deepen the humanitarian suffering.

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