Key facts
- Israeli forces seized the Qalandia Training Centre, the last UNRWA facility in East Jerusalem.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the seizure, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir participated and celebrated.
- A Palestinian child was wounded by Israeli forces during related assaults in the Qalandia refugee camp.
- The UN and the OIC condemned the raid, emphasizing the inviolability of UN facilities and urging protection for UNRWA.
- Israel intends to renovate the seized facility for Israeli students.
Israeli security forces have seized and closed the Qalandia Training Centre, the last operating facility of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem. The incursion, ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and involving National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has drawn strong condemnation from the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the raid, stating that all UN premises are inviolable under international law. His spokesman noted that the development would deprive young people of vocational education. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who released a video of himself at the centre's director's desk, claimed UNRWA would no longer operate in the area. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel would not permit an organisation with alleged ties to terrorism to operate on its territory, referencing the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
The Qalandia Training Centre, established in 1952, provided vocational training to approximately 340 Palestinians annually in fields such as carpentry, car mechanics, and plumbing. Its location between Qalandia and Kfar Aqab, behind Israel's separation barrier, made it accessible to refugees from across the West Bank. Israeli authorities have begun removing equipment and intend to convert part of the site into a school.
UNRWA unequivocally condemned the incursion, calling it unacceptable and a violation of UN facilities. Israeli legislation enacted last year banned UNRWA from operating within what Israel considers its territory, including East Jerusalem. This has led to the closure of six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, impacting around 800 Palestinian children. The Palestinian Authority's ministry of foreign affairs urged the international community to take immediate action to protect the college and prevent Israel from establishing a permanent fait accompli.