United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong condemnation on Monday regarding an Israeli raid on the East Jerusalem compound belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Guterres highlighted the sanctity of the compound, asserting that it is a UN premises, which should be “inviolable and immune from any other form of interference.”
In his statement, he called on Israeli authorities to take immediate action to restore the integrity of UNRWA’s premises and to avoid any further actions that could compromise its security. Guterres’ appeal for respect towards UN facilities underscores the persistent tensions in the region, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to international norms that protect humanitarian spaces.
The remarks by Guterres also serve to reaffirm the vital role that UNRWA plays in supporting Palestinian refugees, bringing attention to the critical need for safe environments in which humanitarian operations can be conducted. As the situation remains volatile, the call for the protection of humanitarian organizations is more urgent than ever, reiterating the international community’s responsibility to uphold support for those in need.