A group of Israeli settlers attacked the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in East Jerusalem, setting fire to the perimeter of the building. The attack caused extensive damage, with no reported injuries. Despite Unrwa staff members working to put out the fire, Israeli security forces did not intervene.
The incident led Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of Unrwa, to close down the compound due to ongoing security risks. This attack comes after months of protests by far-right Israeli settlers and a previous attack on the same headquarters just two days prior.
Lazzarini called for an investigation into the attacks, emphasizing the need to protect UN staff, property, and operations in accordance with international law. The rise in Israeli settler violence since the conflict in Gaza has led to a disturbing trend of attacks on Palestinians, including hundreds of incidents resulting in casualties or property damage.
Israeli settler violence
This escalation of violence underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection of vulnerable communities in the region. While some international sanctions have been imposed, the attacks continue, displacing Palestinians and uprooting communities.