UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem. AFP
“The forcible raid of UNRWA premises in East Jerusalem on 8 December, resulting in assets being seized, communications cut, and the UN flag replaced with an Israeli flag is a blatant violation of the Convention on the Privileges & Immunities of the UN,” the missions — representing the European Union and France, Germany, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Spain — said in a joint statement.
“Such actions set a dangerous precedent for blanket disregard of international law, including the Geneva Conventions, which grant legal protection for organizations ensuring vital functions in line with international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
“Israel must uphold its obligations under the Convention on the Privileges & Immunities of the UN, which guarantees the inviolability of UN premises,” it added.
Israeli forces stormed the compound early Monday, carrying out searches throughout the site, according to the Jerusalem governorate. It said police arrived at dawn, detained guards and cut all communications, leaving observers unable to determine what was happening inside.
Troops sealed off the surrounding area during the search. The raid followed months of attacks by settlers and Israeli politicians, as well as the enforcement of a government decision banning UNRWA’s operations in East Jerusalem on 30 January.
The ban prompted international staff to leave the city after their Israeli permits expired. No local employees were inside the compound at the time of the raid.
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