The UNRWA has been forced to shut down its headquarters in the occupied East Jerusalem, after fires started by a number of Israeli residents.

In a statement, the agency’s head Philippe Lazzarini said fire was twice set to the perimeter while UNRWA and other UN Agencies’ staff were on the compound.

He adds that while there were no casualties, there was extensive damage to outdoor areas.

Mr Lazzarini also states that “Our director with the help of other staff had to put out the fire themselves as it took the Israeli fire extinguishers and police a while before they turned up.”

Regarding the incident itself, the statement says “A crowd accompanied by armed men were witnessed outside the compound chanting “Burn down the United Nations”.”

The UNRWA Head is now urging Israel’s Government to address the situation by investigating and taking action against the perpetraors: “Over the past months, UN staff have regularly been subjected to harassment and intimidation. Our compound has been seriously vandalized and damaged. On several occasions, Israeli extremists threatened our staff with guns. It is the responsibility of the State of Israel as an occupying power to ensure that United Nations personnel and facilities are protected at all times. UN staff, premises and operations should be protected at all times in line with international law. I call on all those who have influence to put an end to these attacks and hold all those responsible accountable. The perpetrators of these attacks must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable. Anything less will set a new dangerous standard.