Israeli authorities on Tuesday began demolishing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in Jerusalem, following the entry into force of new legislation banning the organization’s operations within Israel.

Heavy machinery was seen bulldozing the compound as security forces secured the area, marking a decisive enforcement of the law passed earlier this year by the Knesset. The legislation effectively bars UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory, citing long-standing government claims that the agency has ties to militant activity.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir hailed the demolition as a major political and ideological victory, calling it “a historic day, a holiday, a very important day for governance.” Ben-Gvir accused UNRWA of supporting terrorism and vowed continued action against organizations deemed hostile to the state.

“This is what will be done to every terror supporter,” Ben-Gvir said, framing the demolition as part of a broader campaign to reassert Israeli sovereignty and security control.

Yisrael Beiteinu Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky, a leading architect of the legislation, publicly celebrated the move on social media. In a post on X, she shared video footage of the demolition alongside a recitation of the traditional Jewish “Shehecheyanu” prayer, which is said to mark significant or joyous occasions.

The demolition has drawn international attention, with critics warning it could further strain Israel’s relations with the United Nations and humanitarian groups, while supporters argue the move is long overdue and necessary for national security.

UNRWA, established in 1949, has long been a focal point of controversy in Israel, particularly after October 2023, as Israeli officials intensified accusations that the agency’s infrastructure and personnel were complicit in extremist activities.