Israeli occupation forces on Monday morning raided the headquarters of the UNRWA in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, further escalating tensions in the area and raising concerns over attacks on international humanitarian institutions.

Local sources said Israeli troops stormed the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah, forcibly entering the premises and carrying out extensive searches in offices and surrounding facilities. During the raid, soldiers reportedly confiscated mobile phones belonging to security guards stationed at the headquarters.

Witnesses described a heavy military presence in the area as forces imposed restrictions on movement around the site while the operation was underway. The raid comes amid heightened Israeli pressure on Palestinian institutions and international agencies operating in East Jerusalem.

UNRWA, which provides essential education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees, has increasingly faced disruption in occupied territories, with rights groups warning that such actions undermine the protection and services provided to vulnerable populations.

As of Monday afternoon, no official reason had been publicly given by Israeli authorities for the raid. UNRWA has yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, while local Palestinian groups condemned the move as a violation of international law and the protected status of United Nations facilities. (ILKHA)