AMMAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Wednesday denied Israeli claims of ownership over the property housing its headquarters in East Jerusalem.

"Contrary to reports in the media, the Israeli Government does not own or have rights to the property that houses UNRWA's Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a press statement.

Lazzarini described Israeli claims as "false and illegal," stressing that "there has never been a transfer of property." He said UNRWA has leased the land from the Jordanian government since 1952 and that it is now being seized "in blatant breach of international law."

He said both the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly have determined that Israel's presence in East Jerusalem is illegal and must end as rapidly as possible.

"The Israeli authorities have no sovereign rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the application of Israeli laws there is unlawful," he added.

Lazzarini's remarks came a day after Israel demolished several buildings within the East Jerusalem compound of UNRWA, an action that drew immediate and sharp condemnation from the international community. Israeli authorities also seized UNRWA's offices in East Jerusalem last month.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem its capital, a claim not recognized internationally, while the UN regards East Jerusalem as occupied territory. Israeli officials have long accused UNRWA of employing Hamas members, which the agency denies.

In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed a law banning UNRWA, which provides desperately-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and other areas, from operating in areas under Israeli jurisdiction, and prohibiting Israeli authorities from maintaining contact or cooperation with the agency, a move UNRWA and international bodies say violates international law. Israel then amended the law in December 2025 to ban electricity or water to UNRWA facilities. ■