In a statement issued by his spokesman, the Secretary-General said the decision to use the Sheikh Jarrah complex of the UN agency that helps Palestinian refugees for military purposes represented “a violation of the inviolability of United Nations premises” and undermined the agency’s mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the decision by the Israeli authorities to establish military facilities at the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem,” confiscated in January, the statement said.
“Such actions, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), are illegal. The State of Israel is has no right to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the occupied Palestinian territory and has an obligation to end their illegal presence… as quickly as possible.”
Guterres also stressed that “UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations” and that the complex “remains a United Nations headquarters.”
The Secretary-General urged Israel to immediately change course and return the complex to the UN.
Situation in Gaza
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, warned that continued Israeli strikes were hitting residential areas and makeshift shelters housing displaced families.
On Monday, a Airstrike hit Jabalya camp in northern Gaza, damaging tents and tarps housing about 30 families. Humanitarian teams are assessing needs and working to provide emergency assistance.
“We reiterate that civilians and civilian facilities must be protected at all times,” U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at the regular midday briefing in New York.
Access challenges
Aid agencies also reported persistent obstacles to humanitarian movements in areas where Israeli authorities require prior coordination.
According to OCHA, a humanitarian convoy was delayed about an hour at an Israeli holding point, while another mission carrying refrigerated supplies had to be canceled due to delays in reaching the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Another mission was abandoned after the designated route proved impassable.
“These limitations have made it difficult for aid groups to provide essential assistance and supplies to people,” Dujarric said.
relief efforts
Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners continue to increase assistance.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has provided Around 2,500 more durable temporary housing units in Gaza since January.and more than half are already installed for use as homes, clinics and classrooms.
The UN estimates that some 900,000 people across Gaza urgently need shelter assistance and durable housing solutions.
Agencies and partners are also supporting the daily production of around 130,000 packages of bread distributed free of charge through shelters and community centers and sold at subsidized prices in around 170 stores across the enclave.