The headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem has been closed following a fire on the premises.

“Israeli residents set fire twice to the perimeter of the UNRWA Headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem,” Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on X. “This took place while UNRWA and other UN Agencies’ staff were on the compound.

Mr Lazzarini added, “In light of this second appalling incident in less than a week, I have taken the decision to close down our compound until proper security is restored.”