Israeli forces demolished buildings inside a United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem on Tuesday. The site had already been seized by Israel last year. The demolition included several large structures used for storing aid supplies. Israel said the compound has no immunity and justified its action due to unpaid property taxes. The Jerusalem municipality claims UNRWA owes 11 million shekels ($3.4 million) in taxes. UNRWA insists the property remains under UN protection and denies any debts. Bulldozers backed by security forces entered the compound around 7 a.m., forcing out security guards before starting the demolition. UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler called it an "unprecedented attack" that "violates international law and UN privileges," according to Reuters. The Israeli foreign ministry defended the demolition, stating it was done "in accordance with both Israeli and international law." This follows an Israeli law passed in October 2024 banning UNRWA from operating inside Israel. Israel's actions are tied to claims that some UNRWA staff were involved in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis. This attack triggered Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, where Palestinian authorities report over 71,000 deaths so far. UNRWA fired several staff after these claims but said Israel has not provided full evidence. Most countries and the UN view East Jerusalem as occupied territory, while Israel claims the entire city as its own. UNRWA continues to provide vital education, healthcare, and social aid to millions of Palestinians across the region.