The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned in the strongest terms moves by Israeli authorities to demolish the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in Sheikh Jarrah, warning that the site remains protected under international law.
In a statement, the Secretary-General said the Sheikh Jarrah compound is United Nations premises and is therefore “inviolable and immune from any form of interference”. He noted that this position has been stated repeatedly, including in a letter sent to Israel’s Prime Minister on 8 January 2026.
The UN chief described the continued actions against UNRWA as “wholly unacceptable”, arguing they amount to an escalation that is inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under international law. These obligations include commitments under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
He urged the Israeli government to immediately halt the demolition and to return and restore the Sheikh Jarrah compound, along with other UNRWA premises, to United Nations control without delay.
UN officials say the matter raises serious concerns about the protection of UN operations and staff in the occupied Palestinian territory.
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