World News
Israeli forces take control of UNRWA facility in Qalandiya citing agency ban
The raid on the East Jerusalem training center was led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir under October 2024 legislation.
The short version
- Israeli security forces led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took control of the UNRWA training center in Qalandiya.
- Israeli authorities cited October 2024 legislation banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees to justify the operation.
- UNRWA officials stated they received no prior notice, calling the takeover an unprecedented violation of a 1967 bilateral agreement protecting UN facilities.
- Qatar and Palestinian representatives condemned the raid, while analysts stated the move aims to advance settlement construction and control over the area.
Key facts
- Israeli forces led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took over the UNRWA Qalandiya Training Centre located on the boundary between East Jerusalem and the West Bank.[Al Jazeera]
- Israeli authorities justified the operation using October 2024 legislation banning UNRWA operations.[Al Jazeera]
- UNRWA media adviser Adnan Abu Hasna stated the agency was not informed in advance of the takeover, which he said violates a June 1967 agreement safeguarding UNRWA facilities and immunity.[Al Jazeera]
- The takeover occurs as UNRWA reports a 30 percent budget deficit following a $360 million reduction in funding from the United States.[Al Jazeera]
- Qatar issued a formal statement condemning the takeover and warning against efforts to deny services to Palestinian refugees.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The long-term disposition of the Qalandiya site and whether Israel will proceed with proposed settlement housing units nearby remain unconfirmed by official government policy decisions.[Al Jazeera]