Israeli Actions Target UN Facility in East Jerusalem and Prompt New Evacuations in Southern Gaza

Israeli Actions Target UN Facility in East Jerusalem and Prompt New Evacuations in Southern Gaza
—————————-
Israeli authorities carried out major actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing sharp criticism from the United Nations and renewed concern over civilian displacement amid a fragile ceasefire.

More details in the following report:

In East Jerusalem, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accompanied Israeli forces during the demolition of structures inside the headquarters compound of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Witnesses said bulldozers destroyed both mobile and permanent structures, and Israeli forces raised the Israeli flag over the site, replacing the UN flag.

Ben-Gvir hailed the move as a “historic day” on social media, accusing UNRWA of supporting terrorism. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Aryeh King also used inflammatory language, referring to the UN agency as “Nazi.” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the demolition as an unprecedented attack on UN premises and a violation of international law, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for other international organizations.

The incident follows recent Israeli legislation restricting UNRWA’s operations, including a law passed last month to cut utilities to its East Jerusalem facilities. Israel has accused some UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks, allegations the agency denies.

Meanwhile, in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces ordered dozens of Palestinian families in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, to evacuate their homes. Leaflets dropped on Monday warned residents that the area was under Israeli military control, marking the first such evacuation orders since the ceasefire brokered in October.

Residents and Hamas officials said the move affected between 70 families and up to 3,000 people, deepening Gaza’s displacement crisis. Hamas accused Israel of repeatedly expanding its control zones since the ceasefire, while Israel has said it responds to security threats near its positions.

The ceasefire remains stalled after its initial phase, with both sides accusing each other of violations as humanitarian pressures continue to mount.