Jerusalem: The Foreign Ministers of eleven countries, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem. This act, which took place on January 20, 2026, marks a significant escalation in tensions regarding the operations of UN agencies in the region.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the joint statement from these nations described the demolition as an unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by its member state. The statement emphasized that such actions undermine the agency’s ability to operate effectively. The foreign ministers called on the Israeli government to comply with international obligations, particularly the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises as outlined in the UN General Convention of 1946 and the UN Charter. They urged Israel to halt all further demolitions immediately.
The ministers reiterated their unwavering support for UNRWA’s critical mission, which involves providing essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. They praised UNRWA’s commitment to reform and its implementation of the recommendations from the Colonna Report, highlighting the agency’s role in delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, without any restrictions.
Additionally, the statement expressed deep concern regarding the Israeli government’s legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024 and further strengthened in December 2025. This legislation forbids any contact between Israeli state entities and UNRWA and effectively prevents the agency’s presence within Israel and Jerusalem, impacting the supply of essential utilities to UNRWA properties.
The foreign ministers also urged Israel to facilitate the operations of international NGOs in Gaza by lifting restrictive registration requirements and ensuring the reopening of all crossing points, including the planned reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions. They called for the removal of persistent restrictions on the import of humanitarian goods, including items deemed to have a ‘dual use,’ which are vital for humanitarian and early recovery operations.