Guterres Denounces Israel’s Move at UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem

2026-05-21 04:34:49

(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to set up military facilities at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in occupied East Jerusalem, calling the move “wholly unacceptable,” according to reports.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement that the Secretary-General “condemns in the strongest terms” the Israeli authorities’ decision to establish military facilities at the Sheikh Jarrah compound, which had previously been seized in January.

The statement emphasized that UNRWA is “an integral part of the United Nations,” and stressed that the Sheikh Jarrah site “remains United Nations premises.” It further warned that the move violates the inviolability of UN premises and undermines the agency’s mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, according to reports.

Guterres described the actions as “wholly unacceptable,” expressing deep concern over what the UN called continued escalatory measures against UNRWA.

The statement also said the Secretary-General regrets that Israeli authorities continue taking steps that violate obligations regarding the privileges and immunities of United Nations institutions.

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