Israel Approves Military Complex on Former UNRWA Site in East Jerusalem

2026-05-18 07:42:42

(MENAFN) Israel has approved the construction of a new military compound on the grounds of the former UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Israeli officials have accused the UN agency of cooperating with Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, allegations that have been strongly disputed internationally.

The Israel Defense Forces took control of and partially demolished the UNRWA facility in 2024 after legislation was passed banning the agency’s operations in areas under Israeli jurisdiction.

In December, the Defense Ministry formalized an agreement with the Jerusalem municipality to develop a new defense headquarters in the city and relocate several military education institutions to the site.

According to Israeli media reports, the planned complex will span roughly nine acres near Ammunition Hill and is expected to include an IDF museum, recruitment centers, and offices for the defense minister.

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