Israel Removes UN Flag and Installs Its Own at UNRWA Headquarters in Al-Quds
Lazzarini warns of a “dangerous precedent” after the forces storm UNRWA headquarters, replace UN flag with Israeli flag, seize equipment, and violate UN protections amid continued US-backed aggresion
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed Monday that Israeli police forcibly removed the United Nations flag from the agency’s headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem and raised the Israeli flag in its place, calling the action a “new challenge to international law.”
In a statement posted on X, Lazzarini said Israeli police stormed the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah at dawn, accompanied by officials from the occupation municipality. During the raid, Israeli forces entered the premises with motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts.
Occupation Forces Cut Communications, Seize Equipment
According to Lazzarini, Israeli forces cut off all communications inside the compound and confiscated furniture pieces and IT equipment.
He described the assault as a “flagrant disregard” for Israel’s responsibilities as a UN member state, including its legal obligation to respect and protect the inviolability of UN facilities.
Lazzarini recalled that UNRWA personnel had already been forced to evacuate the building earlier this year after months of escalating harassment, which included arson attacks in 2024, intimidation campaigns, and incitement-driven protests backed by disinformation efforts.
The Israeli Knesset also passed legislation aimed at undermining UNRWA and restricting its operations.
UNRWA Headquarters Remains Under Full UN Immunity
Despite the occupation’s actions, Lazzarini stressed that the UNRWA headquarters remains legally under UN authority and retains full immunity from inspection, seizure, or interference under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. He emphasized that Israel is obligated to protect UN buildings, property, and assets.
He also noted that the International Court of Justice has affirmed Israel’s duty to cooperate with UNRWA and all UN humanitarian agencies, stating that “no party can claim any exceptions.”
A Dangerous Escalation with Global Implications
Lazzarini concluded that the raid constitutes a “serious violation and an alarming precedent” that could undermine the work of the United Nations anywhere in the world if left unchecked.
The assault comes in the context of Israel’s continued US- and European-backed aggression against Gaza since October 7, 2023—a campaign marked by genocide, starvation, forced displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, in defiance of international law and binding ICJ rulings. (PW)