Deplorable:
Israeli residents twice set fire to the perimeter of the headquarters of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, in East Jerusalem on Thursday, the agency’s chief said. The attacks led to the decision to shut down the compound “until proper security is restored,” he said.
U.N. agency staff members were in the compound when the fire was started, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said on social media Thursday. No casualties were reported, though the fire damaged outdoor areas. U.N. staff members had to put out the fire themselves before fire officials and police showed up, Lazzarini said.
A crowd accompanied by armed people stood outside the compound, chanting, “Burn down the United Nations,” Lazzarini said, sharing a video posted on Israeli media.
“This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of U.N. staff were at a serious risk,” he said.
Similar incidents have occurred at the compound over the past two months, he said, citing demonstrators throwing rocks at U.N. staff members and buildings, harassment and intimidation of staff members, as well as vandalism and damage to the compound.
“On several occasions, Israeli extremists threatened our staff with guns,” Lazzarini said.
In light of the “second appalling incident in less than a week,” the UNRWA chief said he decided to temporarily close the compound.
Lazzarini said it is the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure the safety of U.N. personnel and facilities. He called on those with influence in Israel to put an end to the attacks and hold perpetrators responsible.
“Anything less will set a new, dangerous standard,” he added.
Israeli residents twice set fire to the perimeter of the headquarters of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, in East Jerusalem on Thursday, the agency’s chief said. The attacks led to the decision to shut down the compound “until proper security is restored,” he said.
U.N. agency staff members were in the compound when the fire was started, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said on social media Thursday. No casualties were reported, though the fire damaged outdoor areas. U.N. staff members had to put out the fire themselves before fire officials and police showed up, Lazzarini said.
A crowd accompanied by armed people stood outside the compound, chanting, “Burn down the United Nations,” Lazzarini said, sharing a video posted on Israeli media.
“This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of U.N. staff were at a serious risk,” he said.
Similar incidents have occurred at the compound over the past two months, he said, citing demonstrators throwing rocks at U.N. staff members and buildings, harassment and intimidation of staff members, as well as vandalism and damage to the compound.
“On several occasions, Israeli extremists threatened our staff with guns,” Lazzarini said.
In light of the “second appalling incident in less than a week,” the UNRWA chief said he decided to temporarily close the compound.
Lazzarini said it is the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure the safety of U.N. personnel and facilities. He called on those with influence in Israel to put an end to the attacks and hold perpetrators responsible.
“Anything less will set a new, dangerous standard,” he added.
