The Government of Israel has given the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) 30 days to vacate its headquarters in East Jerusalem. The decision was made due to the agency operating on land without proper consent, owing over 27 million shekels to the Israeli Authority of Lands (ILA).

Established in 1949, UNRWA supports Palestinian refugees in multiple countries, including Gaza and the West Bank. Despite the order to vacate, spokesman Jonathan Fowler declared, “UNRWA is a United Nations agency with a mandate, and we are not going anywhere.”

The move has sparked controversy, with allegations of UNRWA supporting terrorist organizations. However, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs has defended the agency, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting Palestinians.