A Consortium Of Foreign Ministers Have Condemned The Demolition Of UNRWA Headquarters By Israel.

London; January 2026: The Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom have strongly condemned the demolitions of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, by the Israeli authorities on 20th January 2026.

This unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate. The consortium having urged the Government of Israel, to abide by its international obligations in ensuring the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the UN General Convention (1946) and the Charter, alongside expecting the Israeli Government, which is a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions.

The Foreign Ministers have reiterated their full support for UNRWA’s indispensable mission in providing essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, while embracing UNRWA’s commitment to reforms, and implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna Report to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity.

UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza, and as per the UN Charter is empowered to operate without restrictions. The consortium has further asserted their deepest concern regarding the application by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024 and strengthened in December 2025, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities and officials and UNRWA, prohibiting and de facto preventing any UNRWA presence within Israel and in Jerusalem including the supply of electricity, water and gas to properties registered under UNRWA.

Earlier, Israel had agreed to President Trump’s 20-Point Plan, which committed to the entry and distribution of aid into Gaza, led by the UN and Red Crescent and without interference. Furthermore, the Foreign Ministers have called on the Government of Israel to fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain dire and supply is inadequate for the needs of the population.

Accordingly, the consortium of Foreign Ministers has urged the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:

• allow the expanded, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services throughout the whole of Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with international humanitarian law;

• ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza, including by lifting restrictive registration requirements;

• the reopening of all crossing points, including the announced plans to re-open the Rafah crossing in both directions;

• lift persistent restrictions on humanitarian goods’ imports, including items considered to have a “dual use” that are essential to humanitarian and early recovery operations.

Team Maverick.