Saudi condemns demolition of UNRWA buildings in Jerusalem
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has strongly condemned the demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem, calling the move a clear violation of international law and an attack on humanitarian work.
The condemnation reflects Riyadh’s continued diplomatic stance in support of Palestinian rights and international relief organisations operating in occupied territories.
In an official statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected what it described as repeated Israeli violations of international law and norms, particularly actions targeting international humanitarian agencies.
The ministry stressed that demolishing facilities linked to UNRWA undermines the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate and directly affects vulnerable Palestinian refugees who rely on its services for education, healthcare and basic relief.
Saudi Arabia placed responsibility on the international community to address what it called a dangerous pattern of actions against international relief organisations.
The statement warned that silence or inaction could encourage further violations and weaken the global humanitarian system that operates in conflict zones under international protection.
Riyadh reiterated that UN agencies must be allowed to operate freely and safely, without political or military interference.
The ministry also expressed explicit support for UNRWA and its humanitarian mission, emphasising the agency’s long-standing role in assisting Palestinian refugees across Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi officials highlighted that UNRWA is not merely an aid provider but a stabilising force in an already fragile region, where millions depend on its schools, clinics and food assistance programmes.
According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces moved into the Sheikh Jarrah area earlier in the day, sealing off surrounding streets before heavy machinery demolished structures inside the UNRWA compound.
The demolitions have drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials and human rights groups, who say such actions are part of a broader effort to restrict Palestinian presence and international oversight in East Jerusalem.
Sheikh Jarrah has been a focal point of tensions for years, with evictions, demolitions and settlement activity drawing global attention.
The demolition of UN-linked buildings in the area adds a new dimension to the dispute, as it directly involves an internationally mandated agency operating under the authority of the United Nations.
Analysts say this could further strain Israel’s relations with parts of the international community already critical of its policies in occupied territories.
Saudi Arabia’s statement aligns with its broader diplomatic position supporting a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions.
Riyadh has consistently called for the protection of holy sites in Jerusalem and for an end to unilateral measures that alter the city’s historical and legal status.
The kingdom has also been a regular financial supporter of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, including contributions to UNRWA.
Regional observers note that the condemnation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s actions toward international organisations operating in Palestinian areas.
Several countries and multilateral bodies have warned that targeting relief agencies risks deepening the humanitarian crisis and destabilising the region further.
For Saudi Arabia, publicly backing UNRWA also reinforces its role as a key Arab and Islamic voice on the Palestinian issue.
The Saudi foreign ministry urged the international community to take concrete steps to protect relief organisations, their staff and their facilities, stressing that humanitarian workers must not be treated as parties to conflict.
It warned that continued pressure on agencies like UNRWA could have severe consequences for millions of refugees who depend on international aid for daily survival.
As diplomatic reactions continue, the demolition in Sheikh Jarrah is likely to add to ongoing debates at international forums over accountability, humanitarian access and the future of UN operations in occupied territories
Saudi Arabia’s firm language signals that the issue will remain high on its diplomatic agenda, particularly as regional and global actors grapple with the wider implications for international law and humanitarian protection.
