UK Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty reacted on Wednesday to Israeli forces’ forced entry into the Qalandia Training Center, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in occupied East Jerusalem.
Doughty described the entry into and seizure of the center as “extreme.” He said the Qalandia Training Center had provided education and opportunities to Palestinian refugees for generations, and stated that Israel must fulfill its obligations and respect the inviolability of United Nations facilities.
Israeli forces take control of the facility
Israeli forces evacuated staff from the UNRWA facility on Tuesday, then took control of the compound and raised the Israeli flag in the courtyard.
The forces also deployed around the Qalandia Refugee Camp and Kafr Aqab. Raids and searches targeting Palestinians were conducted in these areas, along with field interrogations.
UNRWA condemns unauthorized entry
UNRWA strongly condemned the unauthorized entry into the center, calling it a matter of serious concern. The agency said it was unacceptable for armed security forces to enter a United Nations facility without the permission or approval of the United Nations.
The agency said the facility was protected under international law by the privileges and immunities granted to UNRWA, emphasizing that the center’s inviolability must be fully respected.