JERUSALEM / OSLO — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Israeli forces on Tuesday began the demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem. The escalation comes at a sensitive political moment, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially accepted a seat on President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace.”
The Norwegian government, a long-standing champion of the multilateral system, issued a blistering rebuke of the demolition. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide characterized the destruction of the UN compound as more than just a local dispute, but a systemic threat to global order.
”The demolition of UN buildings is a direct attack on the multilateral system and sets a dangerous precedent,” Eide stated in an official press release.
A Systematic Dismantling
Reports from East Jerusalem indicate that heavy machinery entered the UNRWA compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on January 20, 2026. The demolition follows a series of legislative moves by the Knesset to strip the agency of its diplomatic immunities and cut off essential services.
Infrastructure Cutoff: Beyond the physical demolition, Israel has moved to terminate water and electricity supplies to UNRWA facilities.
International Law: Minister Eide emphasized that these actions are a clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, particularly regarding the inviolability of UN premises.
Escalation: The Norwegian Ministry warned that these steps are fueling tensions in a region already scarred by “increased violence and instability.”
The “Board of Peace” Paradox
The timing of the attack has drawn sharp criticism toward President Trump’s “Board of Peace.” The board, chaired by Trump himself, was designed to oversee a 20-point peace plan and provide an alternative to traditional UN-led diplomacy.
Netanyahu’s decision to join the council while simultaneously “bulldozing” the UN’s primary humanitarian agency in Palestine has created a stark contradiction for the board’s mission. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s participation on a peace council sparks concerns about real function of the council, which is incompatible with the systematic dismantling of the very organizations—like UNRWA—tasked with maintaining the region’s fragile humanitarian stability.
Global Reaction
While the Trump administration has remained focused on the board’s launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos, European leaders are increasingly aligning with Norway’s stance. The UN Secretary-General has also condemned the demolition “in the strongest terms,” reminding member states that the UN Charter requires the protection of its facilities.
For Norway, the issue is not just about a single building, but the survival of the rules-based order. “Israel is obligated to facilitate UNRWA’s operations, not hinder or prevent them,” Eide concluded, echoing a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice.
