UNRWA Forced to Shut Down East Jerusalem Headquarters Following Arson Attack by Alleged Israeli Extremists

The United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees is closing its East Jerusalem headquarters. This decision comes after the compound was intentionally set on fire by "Israeli extremists" while staff members were present, according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday. Lazzarini stated on social platform X that this arson attack is just one in a series of threats, harassment, and violent acts carried out by Israelis against UNRWA staff in the last two months.

Israeli residents set fire twice to the perimeter of the UNRWA Headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem this evening. This happened while UNRWA and other UN Agencies’ staff were on the compound, as mentioned by Lazzarini.

Lazzarini expressed his outrage at the incident, stating that the lives of UN staff were once again put in serious danger.

He added that the facility would be closed until proper security is restored.

Lazzarini posted a video of the compound where staff were seen trying to put out the flames while a crowd outside chanted. He also mentioned that armed men were spotted outside the compound, accompanied by a crowd shouting, "Burn down the United Nations."

Several videos were shared on Israeli Telegram platforms on Thursday, showing the UNRWA compound on fire. In one of the videos, people can be heard chanting "UNWRA is Hamas, UNWRA is Hamas."

According to Lazzarini, the fire resulted in significant damage to the outdoor areas of the compound. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the UN staff.

Burnt areas can be seen along the fence of the UNRWA East Jerusalem compound on May 9, 2024

Burnt areas can be seen along the fence of the UNRWA East Jerusalem compound on May 9, 2024

CNN

Israel’s relations with the UN have sunk to a historic low in recent months, with senior UN officials highly critical of Israel’s war conduct in Gaza.

Israeli officials have been critical of UNRWA for its significant involvement in providing food and shelter for many Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has consistently denied accusations from Israel that its aid supports Hamas or promotes hatred in schools, questioning the intentions of those making these claims. The agency has strongly condemned the October 7 Hamas attack as "abhorrent."

President Joe Biden speaks with CNN’s Erin Burnett during an exclusive interview Wednesday, May 8, in Racine, Wisconsin.

President Joe Biden speaks with CNN’s Erin Burnett during an exclusive interview Wednesday, May 8, in Racine, Wisconsin.

CNN

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In March, UNRWA accused Israel of detaining and torturing some of its staffers, coercing them into making false confessions about the agency’s ties to Hamas. This came two months after Israel accused at least 12 UNRWA staffers of being involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks.

Israel has also alleged that about 12% of UNRWA’s 13,000 staffers are members of Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups. This accusation has led more than a dozen countries to suspend funding to the agency. UNRWA stated that it had fired 10 of the 12 accused staffers, while the other two are deceased.

CNN cannot confirm the allegations by Israel or UNRWA.

On Thursday, Lazzarini said it was Israel’s responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel.

He wrote on X, urging all those in positions of influence to stop the attacks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It is important to investigate the perpetrators of these attacks and take appropriate action. Failing to do so will only set a dangerous precedent.

CNN has contacted the Israeli government for their response to the situation.

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