Protesters gather outside UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem demanding group’s ouster

Israelis protest outside the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem on February 5, 2024. (Eli Katzoff/ Times of Israel)
Israelis protest outside the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem on February 5, 2024. (Eli Katzoff/ Times of Israel)

Around 200 protesters gather outside the UNRWA offices in East Jerusalem calling for the removal of the UN aid agency for Palestinians from the capital.

Activists shout “UNRWA is a chapter of Hamas!” at the rally, referring to Israeli allegations that at least 12 of its members took part in the October 7 Hamas onslaught against southern Israel, which led to key donors freezing their funding of the group.

The chants are led by an activist carrying a flag bearing the logo of the right-wing Im Tirzu advocacy group.

As the rally ends, dozens of activists approach the compound from a side entrance, and are stopped by police. There is no evident physical struggle, although several protesters yell at the police that they are “fighting against their own people.”

Israeli officials have repeatedly called for UNRWA’s head to be removed and for the agency to be completely replaced.

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