UN Chief Confronts Israel Over UNRWA HQ Demolition, Warns of Hague Court
UNITED NATIONS – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a scathing rebuke to Israel following the demolition of the main headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem. In a sharply worded letter dispatched to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 12, 2026, Guterres condemned the act, which occurred approximately three weeks prior, as a grave violation of international law and warned that the dispute could escalate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
UN Issues Stark Condemnation to Israel
The UN Secretary-General’s letter, first reported by the Al-Ahed news network, unequivocally stated that Israeli authorities had seized the UNRWA complex without the consent of the United Nations. Guterres emphasized that the facility, located in the Sheikh Jarrah area, has served as an official UN headquarters since 1952 and enjoys full legal protection and immunity under international conventions.
“Israeli authorities have taken possession of this complex without the consent of the United Nations, an action that constitutes a violation of international law,” Guterres’ letter reportedly stated, underscoring the UN’s position on the incident.
A Breach of International Law?
The Secretary-General highlighted Israel’s obligations under the UN Charter and the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which mandate the protection of UN property and the security of its personnel. The UN considers the demolition and seizure of its property, particularly a long-standing logistical hub for humanitarian operations, as a direct breach of these fundamental international agreements.
The Threat of the International Court of Justice
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tension, Guterres cautioned that should Israel fail to uphold its international commitments regarding the UNRWA facility, the matter could transform into a legal dispute requiring referral to the International Court of Justice. This warning signals a potential move towards formal international legal proceedings, raising the stakes significantly for Israel on the global stage.
Devastation of a Critical UN Logistics Hub
According to the UN’s account, Israeli forces utilized heavy equipment to enter the Sheikh Jarrah complex, causing extensive destruction. The demolition reportedly impacted a substantial portion of the buildings, including administrative offices, warehouses, workshops, and material storage centers. For decades, this complex has been indispensable as UNRWA’s primary logistical center for its humanitarian and development activities across the Palestinian territories.
Wider Clampdown on UNRWA Facilities Reported
The demolition of the headquarters is not an isolated incident. Guterres’ letter also detailed a pattern of disruptions targeting UNRWA operations. Notably, on January 12 and 13, Israeli authorities entered an UNRWA health center in Jerusalem, ordering its temporary closure until February 10. Furthermore, other UNRWA-affiliated centers in East Jerusalem reportedly faced warnings of operational cessation, coupled with cuts to water and electricity supplies.
As an illustrative example, the UNRWA training center in Qalandia experienced an electricity cut on January 28, halting the technical training of over 300 Palestinian apprentices, further impeding vital educational and vocational programs.
Upholding UN Immunity Amidst Crisis
The Secretary-General reiterated that the legal framework governing UNRWA’s activities remains fully valid, asserting that any alterations to Israel’s domestic laws cannot override or infringe upon this established international status. Copies of Guterres’ letter were also forwarded to the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council, signaling a broader call for international engagement and dialogue to resolve the escalating crisis. The UN’s firm stance underscores its commitment to the inviolability of its premises and the continuation of its critical humanitarian mission in the region.
