Fire breaks out at UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem after partial demolition by Israel

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Sunday that a fire had been set at its headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, which Israeli bulldozers partially demolished last week.

UNRWA, which Israel banned from operating inside the country in 2025, did not give details about the cause of the fire at its compound.

In a statement, the United Nations agency said: “After having been stormed and demolished by the Israeli authorities, the UNRWA Headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem has now been set on fire.”       

The agency described the fire as part of an “ongoing attempt to dismantle the status of Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian territory and erase their history.”

READ: UN rapporteur says Israeli demolition of UNRWA compound reflects broader attack on UN system

Earlier on Sunday, fire and rescue teams said they responded to a report from the agency’s headquarters and were working to “put out the fire and prevent it from spreading”, without giving any information about the cause.

The United Nations had strongly condemned the seizure and demolition of the headquarters last week. UNRWA stressed that its property remains protected under UN privileges and immunities, a position it repeated on Sunday.

UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler said: “”Like any UN Member State anywhere in the world, without exception, Israel is legally obliged to protect and respect UN facilities.”    

READ: UNRWA denies Israeli ownership claims over East Jerusalem compound