On 20 January, Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (pictured) released the following statement:
“I condemn the Israeli decision to forcibly enter and demolish the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) located in East Jerusalem. I urge the Israeli authorities to halt such action, which is in violation of Israel’s obligations resulting from the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, according to which United Nations member states must protect and respect the inviolability of UN premises.
“I further recall that in line with ICJ’s advisory opinion of 22 October 2025, Israel is under an obligation not to impede the operation of United Nations entities and to co-operate in good faith with the United Nations to ensure respect for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
“The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. UN agencies uphold and implement both the letter and the spirit of the UN Charter, and play a crucial role in maintaining global security.
“The EU is committed to continuing its political and financial support to UNRWA. UNRWA’s functioning contributes to maintaining conditions conducive to peace and security, and any disruption of its work has significant humanitarian, political, and socio-economic repercussions.”
The statement is also available online.
