Violent Israeli protestors close UNRWA headquarters
UNRWA was forced to close its headquarters temporarily in East Jerusalem after violent protests from Israeli protestors, according to Arab News and agencies on May 10th.
The protesters set fire outside the compound according to the agency.
In a video shared of the incident protesters can be heard shouting and singing songs.
The crowd surrounding the compound were filmed shouting, “Burn down the United Nations.”
Head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said the violent incident was the second in under a week.
“This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of UN staff were at a serious risk,” he said, adding Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power.
READ: Independent report contradicts Israeli claims about UNRWA
UNRWA was founded to aid Palestinian refugees following the 1948 Nakba.
Israel recently alleged several individuals expressed support for Hamas’ attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7th, and reported they found Hamas headquarters located under UNRWA headquarters.
After these claims the Israeli government began pressuring for international governments to cut funding, threatening to close the agency.
But EU humanitarian chief Leclerc critiqued Israel for failing to provide evidence.
READ: Funding crisis to improve for UNRWA
While staff were present during the protests Lazzarini reported no casualties were caused, with staff extinguishing the fires outside themselves.
Groups of Israelis have regularly been staging protests outside the compound, reportedly throwing stones at members of staff.
Arab News / Agencies