(May 22, 2026)
We call on the Government of Israel to …
Archiv: Jerusalem (city)
UN chief denounces Israeli takeover of UNRWA compound for army base
The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel’s move to set up an Israeli army base in occupied East Jerusalem at the site where an UNRWA office once operated for besieged Palestinians.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said….
CCTV footage has captured the moment a group of Israeli settlers spat towards the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem.
The incident occurred on the day of “Flag March,” a national holiday marking the occupation of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces following the 1967 war
Video footage circulating online shows Israeli settlers spitting towards the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, located opposite the Church of the Shepherds of the Saviour in the Bab al-Jadid area of occupied East Jerusalem.
(…)
Israeli forces demolish dozens of commercial and industrial facilities in al-Eizariya southeast of occupied Jerusalem
According to available data, these shops are threatened with removal as part of the occupation’s dangerous colonial project known as the “Fabric of Life” plan, which represents a practical implementation of the Israeli annexation plan for the area known as “E1,” aiming to establish full geographical contiguity between the colony of Ma’ale Adumim and occupied Jerusalem.
This would result in the separation of the northern West Bank from its southern part and the seizure of nearly 3% of the occupied Palestinian Territory for formal annexation under the so-called “Greater Jerusalem” plan.
Protests Against Imperialist US-Israeli War on Iran in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem
Dozens of Israeli activists alongside with US citizens living in Israel protested on Monday, April 6, against the imperialist US-Israeli led war on Iran and continued genocide in Gaza simultaneously in front of both a US Embassy office in Jerusalem and the US Consulate in Tel Aviv.
In Jerusalem, demonstrators marched to the front door of the Embassy office at Agron Street and laid signs against the war at the entrance. In Tel Aviv, police failed to prevent fascists from entering and harassing the protesters from the consulate at Hayarkon Street and shortly after used it as an excuse to disperse the demo. The protests were held in tandem with protests against President Donald Trump and against the war held on Monday around US cities.
Three-day General Strike Planned Over Crime in Arab Society
(February 7, 2026)
The Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel announced on Thursday, February 5, that it has begun preparations for a comprehensive, three-day general strike affecting all workers and institutions in Arab towns and communities in Israel.
According to Al-Ittihad and Zo Haderekh, this move is part of an escalating response to the rampant spread of crime and violence and a protest against the far-right government’s policies toward Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel. The decision was made during a meeting of the Committee’s Secretariat held at the Kafr Qara municipality hall and the committee clarified that the strike would last for three consecutive days, during which all economic activities will be halted, while ensuring communication with unions and social organizations to guarantee the success of the move and protect strikers from the risk of dismissal.
The Follow-up Committee also approved organizing a “Disruption March”, tomorrow morning (Sunday), where convoys of cars will set off from various regions in the Galilee and merge with groups from Highways 2 and 1 towards Jerusalem, followed by a demonstration and a press conference at the Prime Minister Office to highlight the issue internationally and locally.
Arab-Israeli Protest Convoy Over Police Inaction Ends With Rally Outside Netanyahu‘s Office
The so-called Disruption Convoy was delayed by police en route to Jerusalem, and some participants said they were issued traffic tickets. Protest leaders planned to give Netanyahu a letter describing the toll gun violence and crime has taken on the Arab community in Israel, but were turned away by his office
Demolition of UNRWA premises is symbolic of Israel’s attack on the United Nations system: UN expert
This outrageous attack by a UN member State against a UN General Assembly-mandated organisation is unprecedented, dangerous, and should spur the international community into action, especially in view of the Provisional measures of the ICJ in the case brought by South Africa and the recent ICJ opinion, confirming that Israel has no right to interfere with UNRWA’s work.
This attack constitutes a grave violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, and an apparent international crime which adds to the long list that Israel continues to commit in the Palestinian territory it illegally occupies.
These actions are part of Israel‘s genocidal strategy that will not pause of its own volition; it must be stopped through tangible actions from States that must ensure accountability and cut ties with Israel.
I call on the Secretary General to request that the General Assembly convene a special session and consider next steps following these unprecedented attacks on UNRWA and the wider UN.
It is time for the General Assembly to suspend Israel’s credentials, pursuant to Article 6 of the UN Charter, and authorise sanctions and embargoes against Israel, especially on the arms trade.”
Israel demolishes buildings in UN Palestinian agency‘s East Jerusalem compound
(January 20, 2026)
Israel demolished structures inside the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency‘s East Jerusalem compound on Tuesday after seizing the site last year, in an act condemned by the agency as a violation of international law.
Surrounded by Israeli forces, bulldozers razed several large buildings and other smaller structures inside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency compound, where dozens of agency staff once worked.
UNRWA Commissioner-General on occupied West Bank: Israeli Authorities Forcibly Enter UN Premises in East Jerusalem
Israel is party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN. The Convention makes UN premises inviolable – in other words, immune from search and/or seizure – and makes UN property and assets immune from legal process.
The International Court of Justice has also underscored that Israel is obliged to cooperate with UNRWA and other UN agencies.
There can be no exceptions. To allow this represents a new challenge to international law, one that creates a dangerous precedent anywhere else the UN is present across the world.
Israeli police raid UN refugee agency UNRWA‘s East Jerusalem compound
Israeli authorities entered the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency‘s East Jerusalem offices on Monday and raised Israel‘s flag, in a raid they said was ordered over unpaid taxes but was condemned by the agency as a challenge to international law.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has been accused of bias by Israel, has not used the building since the start of this year after Israel ordered it to vacate all its premises and cease its operations.
Israeli forces storm East Jerusalem neighborhood
JERUSALEM, December 8, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces on Monday evening stormed Silwan neighborhood in the occupied city of Jerusalem, according to Jerusalem Governorate.
It said that the occupying forces barged their way into the Aby Tayeh neighborhood, a part of Silwan, and occupied the rooftops of several civilians’ houses, turning them into military posts.
The gun-toting soldiers opened indiscriminate fire, but there were no casualties.
Netanyahu and Merz hold expanded meeting with Israeli ministers, senior officials
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are holding an expanded meeting with senior officials at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, following their one-on-one meeting this morning, the PMO says in a statement.
Saudi Arabia Denounces Israeli Occupation and Settler Attacks on Palestinian People
The Kingdom also warns that the international community’s silence regarding these practices, and the absence of accountability mechanisms amid ongoing Israeli violations and assaults, weakens the foundations of the international order and undermines the principles of international legitimacy.
The Kingdom reiterates its firm position in supporting the Palestinian people and in continuing its efforts toward establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
Saudi Arabia warns international order undermined by persistent Israeli attacks on Palestinian holy sites
„The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities and extremist settlers against the Palestinian people, most recently the storming of the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque and the provocation of worshippers there, and the reprehensible attack on the Hajja Hamida Mosque in the Palestinian village of Kafr Haris,“ the statement said.
Palestinian Authority must disappear from the map: Smotrich
(September 8, 2025)
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the PA to be wiped from the map, and the villages of those behind the attack in occupied East Jerusalem to be reduced to ruins in retribution, Al Jazeera reports.
Palestinian Presidency reaffirms rejection of civilian targeting and all forms of violence
RAMALLAH, September 8, 2025 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Presidency reiterated its firm stance rejecting and condemning any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and denounced all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their source.
The Presidency stressed that security and stability in the region cannot be achieved without ending the occupation, halting acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, and stopping colonist terrorism across the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.
It emphasized that the Palestinian people‘s attainment of their legitimate rights to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the achievement of security and peace for all, is what will end the cycle of violence in the region.
This came in the wake of today‘s events in occupied Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, PA: „We condemn attacks against civilians“
Rome, Sept. 8 (LaPresse) – The Palestinian National Authority, even without explicitly mentioning the attack that occurred in Jerusalem, reiterated in a statement „its firm position in rejecting and condemning any attack against Palestinian and Israeli civilians,“ denouncing „all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their source.“
Israel in intense war on terror, Netanyahu says at scene of deadly Jerusalem attack
(September 8, 2025)
Netanyahu‘s criminal trial hearings at the Tel Aviv District Court, scheduled for Monday, were canceled after the terror shooting occurred.
At least six murdered in Jerusalem terror shooting, 21 wounded
(September 8, 2025)
“The bus doors didn’t open, the driver said there was a malfunction,“ an eyewitness to the attack said. Another eyewitness, Malka Cohen, stated that the bus doors initially did not open, and the driver claimed there was a malfunction. Immediately afterward, when the doors opened, the terrorists opened fire.
Israeli tanks close in on Gaza City, Trump to chair meeting
Thousands have already left, but church leaders in the city said on Wednesday they were staying put, as leaving Gaza City and „trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence“.
„For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds,“ a joint statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.
Pope Leo joins Jerusalem Patriarchs’ call for peace in Gaza
(August 27, 2025)
“Today I renew a strong appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,” said the Pope.
He also called for the safe entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the protection of civilians.
“I appeal for all hostages to be freed, a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated, and humanitarian law to be fully respected—especially the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions against collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations,” he added.
Joint Statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Jerusalem August 26th,2025
“In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death” (Proverbs 12,28).
A few weeks ago, the Israeli government announced its decision to take control of Gaza City. In recent days, the media have repeatedly reported a massive military mobilization and preparations for an imminent offensive. The same reports indicate that the population of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians live — and where our Christian community is located — is to be evacuated and relocated to the south of the Strip. At the time of this statement, evacuation orders were already in place for several neighborhoods in Gaza City. Reports of heavy bombardment continue to be received. There is more destruction and death in a situation that was already dramatic before this operation. It seems that the Israeli government’s announcement that “the gates of hell will open” is indeed taking on tragic forms. The experience of past campaigns in Gaza, the declared intentions of the Israeli government with regard to the current operation, and the reports now reaching us from the ground, show that the operation is not just a threat, but a reality that is already in the process of being implemented.
Since the outbreak of the war, the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. In the Latin compound we are hosting since many years people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.
The UK and 22 international partners gave a joint statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Joint statement by:
foreign ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission
The decision by the Israeli Higher Planning Committee to approve plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, East of Jerusalem, is unacceptable and a violation of international law.
We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in the strongest terms.
Minister Smotrich says this plan will make a two-state solution impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem. This brings no benefits to the Israeli people. Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace.
The Government of Israel still has an opportunity to stop the E1 plan going any further. We encourage them to urgently retract this plan.
Unilateral action by the Israeli government undermines our collective desire for security and prosperity in the Middle East. The Israeli government must stop settlement construction in line with UNSC Resolution 2334 and remove their restrictions on the finances of the Palestinian Authority.
21 countries sign joint statement condemning Israel’s West Bank settlement project
Britain and France were among 21 countries to sign a joint statement on Thursday calling Israel’s approval of a major settlement project in the West Bank “unacceptable and a violation of international law.”
Israel approved the plans for the roughly 12-square-kilometre parcel of land known as E1 just east of Jerusalem on Wednesday.
“We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in the strongest terms,” said the statement of foreign ministers, whose signatories also included Australia, Canada and Italy.
Israel approves major settlement project that would divide West Bank
Israel on Wednesday approved a major settlement project in the West Bank, despite warnings from the international community that doing so threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state.