Tensions rise as the United Nations condemns an Israeli raid on the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the action “a violation of international law,” emphasizing that UN premises are inviolable and must be respected. Israeli authorities claim the raid was over unpaid taxes, but UNRWA warns this sets a dangerous global precedent.
00:06But it's eating into my lunchtime as well, so.
00:12Like, what doesn't happen very often?
00:16Turning to the situation in Jerusalem, as you may have seen early this morning,
00:22Israeli police, accompanied by municipal officials,
00:25forcibly entered a United Nations compound used by UNRWA in East Jerusalem.
00:31Police motorcycles as well as trucks and forklifts were brought in,
00:35and all communications were cut.
00:38Furniture, IT equipment, and other property was seized,
00:42and the UN flag was pulled down and replaced by the Israeli flag.
00:46In reaction to this event, I can tell you that the Secretary General strongly condemns
00:52the unauthorized entry into the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by UNRWA,
00:58located in East, in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities.
01:03This compound remains United Nations premises and is inviolable and immune from any other form of interference.
01:11As recently confirmed by the International Court of Justice,
01:15any executive, administrative, judicial, or legislative action against United Nations property and assets
01:23is prohibited by the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
01:28The Secretary General urges Israel to immediately take all necessary steps to help restore, preserve,
01:35and uphold the inviolability of UNRWA premises and refrain from taking any further action
01:41with regard to UNRWA premises in line with Israel's obligations under the Charter of the UN
01:47and its other obligations under international law,
01:50including those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations.
01:55That statement is being shared with you as we speak.
01:58Turning to the situation on the ground in Gaza,
02:01the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, this compound.
02:05So, according to Israel,
02:08UNRWA owned about 3.5 million U.S. dollars in unpaid tax and interest.
02:16Is that theory accepted by the UN?
02:21It is not applicable under the general conventions
02:26that cover the relationship between the United Nations and member states.
02:29So, which means this is actually a violation of international law?
02:33That would be a correct interpretation by you.
02:36Okay.
02:37Another...
02:38...prices around the world outpace the funding available to address them.
02:41This pledging event for the UN's Global Emergency Fund,
02:45managed by OCHA, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
02:49seeks to mobilize greater financial commitments so that humanity...
02:53Okay.
02:53On that note, I wish you...
02:56I don't know what I wish you, but I wish you well.
02:58I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I don't know what I wish you, but I
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