Israeli police sparked international outrage this week after storming a UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem – a move UN Secretary-General António Guterres called a 'clear violation of international law.' 🚨 The raid occurred just two days after the UN General Assembly voted to renew the agency's mandate through 2028.
What Went Down
Witnesses reported seeing forces cut communications, detain security guards, and raise the Israeli flag over the historic office building that served Palestinian refugees since 1951. 📞🚫 The Jerusalem Governorate stated the compound had been vacated earlier this year following an Israeli parliamentary decision banning UNRWA operations in the city.
Why It Matters
This clash highlights rising tensions over humanitarian operations in contested areas. Guterres emphasized that UN premises are 'inviolable' under international law, citing a recent International Court of Justice ruling. ⚖️ The incident comes as global attention focuses on Middle East stability ahead of 2026's World Expo in Riyadh.
What's Next?
While Israel hasn't officially commented, activists fear this could signal broader restrictions on aid groups. With over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA globally, the agency's work remains critical – especially for young people seeking education and healthcare services. 🏥📚
