RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has strongly condemned the destruction of facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia emphasized that the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on October 22, 2025 reaffirmed Israel’s obligation to support the presence of UN agencies in occupied Palestinian territories, including UNRWA.

“This action constitutes a serious violation of UNRWA’s privileges and immunities,” the ministry stated via its official X account on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia demanded that Israel respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations under international law, stressing UNRWA’s irreplaceable humanitarian role for the Palestinian people.

The Indonesian government further underscored that any national legislation or regulations obstructing UNRWA’s humanitarian work in occupied territories are inconsistent with Israel’s international obligations.

The ministry added that such measures also breach the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. “Indonesia calls on Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and international law, including ensuring the protection of UN facilities and personnel,” the statement read.

The destruction of UNRWA facilities was carried out by Israeli military personnel under the direction of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. It marked the latest act of intimidation against the UN agency, following the Israeli Knesset’s decision last month to cut electricity and water supplies to UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.

In 2024, Israeli authorities also passed regulations banning UNRWA’s activities within Israel, after accusing its staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Israel’s escalation against UNRWA as “unacceptable” and “inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under international law,” according to spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Similarly, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described Israel’s actions as “a deliberate and blatant defiance of international law, including the UN’s privileges and immunities.” ***