Secretary-General Condemns in Strongest Terms Israel’s Decision to Set Up Military Facilities at UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees Compound

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ decision to establish military facilities at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem that they had seized in January. 

UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations and the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound remains United Nations premises.  These unprecedented and escalatory measures against UNRWA are a breach of the inviolability of United Nations premises. They constitute an obstacle to the implementation of the clear mandate of the General Assembly for UNRWA’s continued operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

The Secretary-General views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA.  He deeply regrets that the Israeli authorities continue to take steps that are in violation of their obligations concerning the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

Such actions, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice, are unlawful.  The State of Israel is not entitled to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as rapidly as possible.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to rescind its decision and immediately return to the United Nations the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound.