The Advisory Commission expresses deep concern and deplores actions by the Government of Israel to demolish the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem. Such actions set a dangerous precedent, threatening to undermine the multilateral system.
Israel must abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the UN (1946) and the UN Charter. We urge Israel to comply with its obligations under international law.
We call on Israel to immediately cease such actions against UNRWA premises, respect the Agency's mandate, lift all restrictions imposed on its activities, and fully comply with its obligations under international law, in line with the latest advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 22 October 2025 on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian territory.
In light of these serious events, the Advisory Commission reaffirms its firm and unwavering support for UNRWA and for the full implementation of its essential mandate to meet the needs of Palestine refugees until a just and lasting peace is reached in the region.
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UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.
UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, over 75 years on.
UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
