- BIST10011,666-1.12%
- USD49.58+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.09%
- GOLD4,146.60+0.10%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,641+0.84%
- October 21, 202611°
- BIST10011,666-1.12%
- USD49.58+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.09%
- GOLD4,146.60+0.10%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,641+0.84%
- October 21, 202611°
EU and 14 countries urge Israel to stop interfering with UNRWA
The EU and 14 countries condemned on Wednesday the seizure of the Kalandia Training Centre, operated by UNRWA in occupied East Jerusalem. The centre provides education, vocational development and health services to around 270 students across 16 fields of study.
The EU and 14 countries condemned the seizure of UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem and reiterated their support for the agency tasked with providing assistance to Palestinian refugees.
In a joint statement issued by the Belgian Consulate General in Jerusalem, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom strongly condemned the Israeli forces’ “unlawful entry” into the centre on Tuesday and the seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.
Call for an end to interference with UNRWA operations
The signatory countries, which are members of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, said that UN facilities are protected under international law in accordance with the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The joint statement called on Israel to “immediately and fully comply” with UN directives that enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate without interference. The countries also urged Israel to end without delay all disruptions to UNRWA’s activities and operations.
Kalandia Training Centre’s capacity
Israeli forces removed UNRWA staff from the Kalandia Training Centre on Tuesday, seized the facility and raised the Israeli flag in its courtyard. Israeli soldiers deployed in the streets of Kalandia Refugee Camp and the nearby Kafr Aqab neighbourhood, carrying out raids and searches and questioning Palestinians.
The centre includes educational, vocational development and health facilities, as well as training workshops, classrooms, dormitories and administrative buildings. Established in 1952 as UNRWA’s first centre in Palestine, the Kalandia Training Centre serves around 270 students across 16 vocational fields, with between 250 and 300 students graduating each year.
Background to pressure on UNRWA
Since 1967, Israel has kept the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under occupation in violation of UN resolutions. The action against the Kalandia Training Centre came as Israel intensified pressure on UNRWA.
In 2024, Israel’s Knesset passed legislation restricting UNRWA’s activities and banning the agency from operating in Israel. The controversial measure came into force at the beginning of last year.
Last October, the International Court of Justice reiterated Israel’s obligation to respect the inviolability of UN facilities, including those operated by UNRWA, and to refrain from interfering with the agency’s work.
A month later, the UN General Assembly extended UNRWA’s mandate for three years despite Israel’s pressure. The decision enabled the agency to continue its work until June 2029.
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
