Israel Approves Defense Ministry Complex at Former UN Agency Site on May 17; Hamas Condemns Move

According to Jin10, on May 17, Israel’s government approved a plan to establish an Israeli Defense Ministry complex at the former headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. The complex will include an Israeli Defense Force museum, recruitment center, and the Defense Minister’s office. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that building on “the ruins of UNRWA” is “the most just and righteous thing,” claiming the agency was connected to Hamas activities. Hamas responded with a statement strongly condemning the plan, calling it a “dangerous move” that violates international law and the immunity granted to UN bodies, and characterizing it as part of Israel’s broader effort to “Judaize and colonize Palestinian lands.”