A group of Western governments has issued a sharp rebuke following the destruction of a major United Nations compound in occupied East Jerusalem, warning that the move strikes at the foundations of international protections for humanitarian work. The incident, carried out with heavy machinery in the Sheikh Jarrah area, has intensified concern that space for civilian relief is being deliberately narrowed at a moment of acute need, as the genocidal war continues to devastate Palestinian life.

In a joint position, ministers from across Europe, alongside Canada and Japan, described the demolition of the site hosting the Palestine refugee agency as an unprecedented step by a UN member state against a UN body. They argued that the action represents a further attempt to cripple the agency’s ability to function, calling on Israeli authorities to uphold their international obligations and to respect the inviolability of UN premises. The ministers also urged an immediate halt to further demolitions linked to the forced entry into the compound earlier this month.

The statement went beyond the single incident, voicing deep alarm over domestic legislation passed in recent years that effectively severs official ties with the refugee agency and blocks its presence across the occupied territory. According to the ministers, these measures amount to a de facto ban that obstructs even basic utilities, such as electricity, water and gas, to properties registered with the agency, undermining essential services relied upon by civilians.

Reaffirming support for what they described as the agency’s indispensable role, the ministers stressed that it must be allowed to operate without restriction. They also pressed for full compliance with international law regarding humanitarian access to Gaza, where conditions remain dire despite a declared pause in fighting. Aid deliveries, they noted, fall far short of what is required to address widespread deprivation caused by the genocidal war.

The governments further called for safe, unimpeded passage for humanitarian assistance, the protection of international non-governmental organisations operating in Gaza, the reopening of all crossing points, including the Rafah crossing in both directions, and the removal of ongoing barriers to importing relief supplies. Without these steps, they warned, civilian suffering will continue to deepen.