Beirut: Israeli forces conducted a raid on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Training Center in the Qalandia refugee camp, located north of occupied East Jerusalem, detaining staff members on site. The Jerusalem Governorate has reported that during the raid, forces fired tear gas canisters and confined teaching and administrative staff within one of the center's halls. Additionally, Israeli forces occupied the roof of the camp's local committee building.
According to Anadolu Agency, the raid occurred following an overnight operation where Israeli forces entered the Qalandia camp, deploying across various neighborhoods, and using stun grenades and tear gas extensively, which resulted in a fire. This incident comes approximately six weeks after the Jerusalem Governorate had issued warnings about an Israeli plan to demolish the UNRWA training center in Qalandia. The governorate previously stated that Israeli municipal authorities were promoting a plan to construct a new educational complex on the land where the center currently stands.
The center is crucial, serving around 350 students aged 15 to 19, and occupies land provided by the Jordanian government prior to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967. Palestinians argue that Israel is attempting to undermine Palestinian and international institutions in East Jerusalem to solidify its occupation and alter the city's demographic and cultural identity.
In a related development, Israeli forces have also carried out demolitions in the Jenin province, targeting an area near the village of Anza, south of the city. Local sources indicate that Israeli forces evacuated shop owners and residents before demolishing three buildings, which included 18 commercial shops and two residential apartments. Despite legal objections and an order previously issued to suspend the demolitions, Israeli authorities proceeded with their actions.
Further demolitions were reported in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh province, where Naalin Mayor Imad al-Khawaja informed that Israeli forces, along with bulldozers, demolished three homes and an agricultural facility in the western part of the town. A two-story home was also demolished in the town, contributing to the ongoing displacement of Palestinian residents.
The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reports that Israeli authorities have conducted 341 demolitions in the first half of this year, resulting in the destruction of 740 Palestinian structures and impacting 923 Palestinians.