UNRWA Facilities Targeted Amid Israeli Crackdown

Israeli forces have intensified their campaign against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), targeting facilities in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. This includes demolishing the agency's offices and firing tear gas at a vocational school, actions which UNRWA claims violate international law.

In a significant escalation, Israeli forces targeted United Nations facilities in east Jerusalem and the West Bank on Tuesday. The moves are part of an ongoing crackdown on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees in the region.

Demolition crews dismantled UNRWA's offices in Sheikh Jarrah while tear gas was fired at a vocational school in Qalandia. The Israeli Foreign Ministry defended these actions, stating they enforce a new law that bans UNRWA, asserting ownership of the sites and dismissing claims of international law violations.

UNRWA has long been accused by Israel of bias and alleged ties with militant groups, though these claims have been refuted by the UN agency. UNRWA officials insist that the recent attacks jeopardize essential services provided to millions of refugees and contravene international humanitarian mandates.

(With inputs from agencies.)