‘Outrageous’ arson attack forces UNRWA to temporarily close housing complex in East Jerusalem

Posting on social media, Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said “Israelis set fire twice to the perimeter” on Thursday evening. UNRWA staff and staff from other United Nations agencies were inside the compound at the time.

“Our director with the help of other employees had to put out the fire himself because of the fire extinguisher and it took a while for the Israeli police to arrive,” he said.

This marks the “second horrific incident in less than a week” following a similarly violent protest on Tuesday.

‘An outrageous development’

While there were no casualties among UNRWA staff, the fire caused extensive damage to outdoor areas, he said, noting that a gas and diesel station is located on the premises to serve the vehicle fleet of the agency.

A crowd accompanied by armed men was witnessed outside the compound and chanted the slogan “Burn the United Nations,” he added.

“This is an outrageous development,” he said. “Once again, the lives of UN staff are in grave danger.”

Protests turned violent

Mr. Lazzarini said he had made the decision to close the property “until appropriate security is restored.”

Israeli extremists have been holding protests outside the UNRWA complex in Jerusalem over the past two months “called by an elected member of the Jerusalem municipality.”

He noted that Tuesday’s protest turned violent as protesters threw rocks at United Nations staff and buildings, “under the supervision of Israeli police.”

Harassment, intimidation and vandalism

“Over the past months, UN staff have been regularly harassed and threatened. Our property was vandalized and seriously damaged. In some cases, Israeli extremists have threatened our employees with guns,” he said.

The UNRWA chief emphasized that it is Israel’s responsibility as the occupying power to ensure that UN personnel and facilities are protected at all times.

“I call on all those with influence to end these attacks and hold all those responsible accountable,” he said. “The perpetrators of these attacks must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. Anything less would set a dangerous new standard.”