Israel Seizes UNRWA Headquarters for Settlements

Israel has begun the process of confiscating the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to build 1,440 housing units for illegal settlers. The Israel Land Authority claims the move is necessary due to UNRWA's failure to secure proper approvals, while UNRWA officials have stated they were informed of the decision through media reports, not directly. Concurrently, the Israeli Knesset is advancing legislation that designates UNRWA as a 'terrorist organization,' which could severely restrict its operations and humanitarian efforts in the region. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that the closure of the agency could lead to a humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. This action is seen as part of a broader Israeli campaign to dismantle UNRWA, which provides critical support to Palestinian refugees. The U.S. has been hesitant to restore funding to UNRWA, affecting its operations and the rights of Palestinian refugees.