UN aid agency says Israelis set fire to its East Jerusalem headquarters

• Lazzarini said the compound will be closed "until proper security is restored."

The big picture: "This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of UN staff were at a serious risk," Lazzarini wrote.

• He noted both UNRWA and other UN staff were at the headquarters at the time of the fires.
• Lazzarini added that "Israeli extremists" had been regularly staging protests outside the UNRWA compound over the past two months and staff have been harassed, intimidated and even threatened with guns.
• A crowd of Israelis had gathered in front of the compound Thursday and chanted, "burn down the United Nations," he added.

What they're saying: "UN staff, premises and operations should be protected at all times in line with international law," Lazzarini wrote, adding Israel was responsible for ensuring that protection.

State of play: In the wake of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, Israel alleged that members of UNRWA staff in Gaza are members of Hamas. A UN-appointed independent commission of inquiry said last month that Israel had provided no evidence to back up the claim.

• UNRWA has been the main organization delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza for decades.

Go deeper: Report says Israel hasn't proved alleged widespread UNRWA staff links to Hamas