Israeli Forces Operate in Gaza for Hostage Remains; UNRWA Facilities Targeted in East Jerusalem
Israeli forces have initiated an operation in northern Gaza to locate the remains of a hostage, Ran Gvili, as international mediators press for progress on a ceasefire agreement. Separately, in East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities have demolished parts of the former United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters, where a fire also occurred overnight, and deployed tear gas at another UNRWA vocational school. These actions follow new Israeli legislation prohibiting UNRWA's operations in areas it defines as its territory.
Hostage Search and Ceasefire Negotiations
The Israeli military has commenced a large-scale operation in northern Gaza, focusing on a cemetery in the Shuja’iya-Daraj Tuffah area, to locate the remains of Ran Gvili. Specialized teams, including rabbis and dental experts, are reportedly on site.
Gvili is identified as the last remaining hostage.
This operation occurs as international mediators, including the United States, urge Israel and Hamas to advance into the next phase of their ceasefire agreement. The recovery of all hostages, whether alive or deceased, was a key component of the ceasefire's initial phase, which began on October 10. The last prior hostage recovery occurred in early December.
The Israeli cabinet met to discuss the potential opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The return of Gvili has been identified as a significant factor for opening the crossing and advancing the US-brokered ceasefire's second phase. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the Rafah crossing would open upon the completion of this operation, in accordance with agreements with the United States. Gvili's family has urged the government to delay the second phase of the ceasefire until his remains are returned.
The return of Gvili has been identified as a significant factor for opening the Rafah crossing and advancing the US-brokered ceasefire's second phase.
Regarding the search, Israel has accused Hamas of impeding the recovery of the final hostage. Hamas, in turn, stated it provided all available information regarding Gvili's remains and accused Israel of hindering search efforts in areas under Israeli military control. The US administration has indicated that the second phase of the ceasefire is already underway.
Incidents at UNRWA Facilities in East Jerusalem
Demolition, Fire, and Confrontation
In a separate development, Israeli authorities initiated the demolition of the former UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah district on Tuesday. This followed an overnight fire at the same compound, the cause of which remains unknown. Roland Friedrich, UNRWA's West Bank director, reported observing Israeli settlers looting the main building. The Israeli fire department dispatched teams to prevent the fire from spreading.
UNRWA had previously closed its compound in May 2024 due to similar incidents involving settlers setting fires to its fence. International staff had departed the site in early 2025 following a legislative ban on UNRWA's operations in Israel and the revocation of their visas, though staff had not operated from this specific facility for nearly a year prior due to safety concerns.
Also on Tuesday, Israeli forces deployed tear gas at an UNRWA vocational school in Qalandia, near Jerusalem, which provides job training for over 300 young refugees. UNRWA officials reported that demolition crews and police arrived at the East Jerusalem headquarters early Tuesday, compelling security guards to leave and confiscating devices.
Statements and Justifications
UNRWA officials, including Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and spokesperson Jonathan Fowler, characterized the actions as a "serious violation of international law" and an "unprecedented attack" on UN premises. They asserted that Israel, as a UN member state, is obligated to protect UN facilities. Lazzarini described the event as part of an "ongoing attempt to dismantle the status of Palestine refugees."
UNRWA officials characterized the actions as a "serious violation of international law" and an "unprecedented attack" on UN premises.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the demolition enforced a new law banning UNRWA and asserted that the State of Israel owns the land where the compound stands. Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein claimed that UNRWA had ceased operations at the site prior to the January 2025 legislation and that no UN personnel or activities were present. He also stated the compound lacks immunity and its seizure complied with Israeli and international law. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and other Israeli politicians reportedly celebrated the action at the Sheikh Jarrah facility, where an Israeli flag was observed.
Context and Allegations Regarding UNRWA
Israel's actions align with legislation passed in 2024 by the Knesset, Israel's parliament, which prohibits UNRWA's operations in areas defined as Israel's territory, including East Jerusalem. This legislative action has impeded UNRWA's activities, as Israel controls all entry and exit points.
Israel's actions align with legislation passed in 2024 by the Knesset... which prohibits UNRWA's operations in areas defined as Israel's territory, including East Jerusalem.
Israel has consistently criticized UNRWA, alleging Hamas infiltration, anti-Israel bias, and involvement of some employees in the October 7, 2023, attacks. Israel also claims UNRWA's infrastructure has been used for militant activities. A UN investigation resulted in the dismissal of nine staff members, whom UNRWA acknowledged might have been involved in the October 7 attacks. However, the UN maintains that broader accusations against the agency lack sufficient evidence, and UNRWA leadership has denied allegations of tolerating or collaborating with Hamas, stating swift action was taken against accused employees.
UNRWA's mandate includes providing aid and services to approximately 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem, along with 3 million more refugees in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The agency manages infrastructure in refugee camps, operates schools, and provides health care. UNRWA expressed concerns that the demolitions could jeopardize operations at its vocational center in Qalandia and its health facility in Shua’fat, where education and health services are still provided.
UNRWA's mandate includes providing aid and services to approximately 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem, along with 3 million more refugees in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
In October, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must allow UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza. US funding for UNRWA was cut in 2018 under President Donald Trump, restored in 2021 under President Joe Biden, and later paused in 2024. Israel's ban on UNRWA is part of broader efforts to regulate aid groups, including new laws requiring non-governmental organizations not to hire staff involved in activities that "delegitimize Israel" or support boycotts.