Australia Declines to Join International Condemnation of Israel's UNRWA Headquarters Demolition

Australia has declined to join a joint statement issued by 11 nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, condemning Israel's demolition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem. The statement, released on January 28, described the demolition as "unacceptable" and urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations to protect United Nations premises.

The Israeli government began demolition work on the UNRWA headquarters on January 20, following legislation passed in 2024 that banned the agency's operations within Israel. This legislation was enacted after allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel.

A diplomatic source indicated that Australia was invited to join the recent declaration but declined without providing an explanation. This decision marks a departure from Australia's previous stance, as it has consistently joined other nations in issuing public rebukes to Israeli actions during its conflict in Gaza.

In October 2024, Australia, along with Canada and five other countries, expressed grave concern over Israeli legislation aimed at revoking UNRWA's privileges and immunities, emphasizing the agency's essential role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

The recent decision not to join the condemnation has raised questions about Australia's current position on Israel's actions concerning UNRWA and its operations in the region.