Israel demolishes UN agency headquarters in East Jerusalem, sparking international condemnation

Israeli forces used bulldozers to demolish the East Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. The UN agency called the demolition an 'unprecedented attack' and said a fire broke out at the site afterward.

Foreign ministers from eleven countries, including Japan, the UK, and France, issued a joint statement condemning Israel's actions. The UN chief and the Palestinian Authority also condemned the demolition. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Israel would also cut off water and electricity to remaining UNRWA sites in Israel.

Separately, in Jerusalem, two infants died and over 50 others were hospitalized after a suspected gas poisoning incident at an unlicensed daycare. Police detained three caregivers for questioning. The High Court blocked autopsies on the infants after protests by ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups.