The United Nations has condemned the seizure and closure of a training centre operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli security forces.
The Qalandia Training Centre, which was reportedly the last UNRWA facility still operating in the city, was closed after Israeli security forces entered the premises.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the action, warning that continued restrictions on UNRWA could further undermine the agency’s ability to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA also denounced the incursion, describing the entry into the facility as unauthorised and deeply concerning.
The development comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and UNRWA following Israeli measures aimed at restricting the agency’s operations.
UNRWA provides education, healthcare, relief and other essential services to millions of registered Palestinian refugees across the region. Its operations have come under increasing pressure from Israeli authorities, who have accused the agency of links to militant groups. UNRWA has rejected allegations of systematic involvement in militant activities.
The closure of the Qalandia centre represents another setback for the agency’s operations in East Jerusalem, where access to vocational and other services provided by UNRWA has already faced growing restrictions.
The latest development is expected to further intensify the dispute between Israel and the United Nations over the future of UNRWA and its humanitarian role in supporting Palestinian refugees.
