What's happened
Israeli residents set fire to the UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem, prompting the temporary closure of the compound. The attack, the second in a week, caused extensive damage but no injuries to UN staff. Protests by Israeli settlers calling for UNRWA's closure have been ongoing, with staff facing harassment and threats.
Why it matters
The attack on the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem is a significant event, highlighting the escalating tensions and risks faced by UN staff in the region. The repeated attacks and threats from Israeli extremists pose a serious challenge to the safety and operations of the UN agency, impacting its ability to provide essential aid to Palestinian refugees.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reported that Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, described the attack as 'outrageous' and highlighted the serious risk to UN staff. The New York Times emphasized the ongoing protests by Israeli settlers and the lack of immediate response from Israeli authorities. The Guardian provided details on the repeated attacks on the UNRWA compound and the threats faced by staff.
How we got here
The UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem has been targeted by Israeli extremists, leading to multiple incidents of violence and threats against UN staff. The protests and calls for the closure of UNRWA by Israeli officials have created a hostile environment for the agency's operations, impacting its ability to support Palestinian refugees in the region.
Common question
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.