Jerusalem: The European Union, along with 14 countries, has officially condemned Israel's recent seizure of a UNRWA-operated facility in occupied East Jerusalem, expressing their continued support for the United Nations agency dedicated to assisting Palestinian refugees.
According to Anadolu Agency, the condemnation was articulated in a joint statement released by the Belgian Consulate-General in Jerusalem. This statement included signatures from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. These nations, all members of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, criticized the 'unlawful entry' by Israeli forces into the Qalandia Training Center, which occurred on Tuesday, and the subsequent seizure of UNRWA facilities.
The joint statement emphasized that UN premises are shielded under international law, specifically through the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and must be respected by all parties. The nations involved urged Israel to comply immediately and fully with UN directives to permit UNRWA to conduct its activities without interference.
Additionally, the signatories called on Israel to fulfill its obligations and cease all disruptions to the operations and activities of UNRWA without delay. On the day of the incident, Israeli forces expelled UNRWA staff from the center, took control of the facility, and hoisted the Israeli flag within its premises. Israeli military operations extended to the nearby areas, where forces conducted raids, searches, and interrogations in the Qalandia refugee camp and the Kafr Aqab neighborhood.
These actions have sparked significant international criticism. The Qalandia Training Center, established in 1952 as UNRWA's first center in Palestine, provides educational, vocational, and health services, serving around 270 students across 16 vocational specialties, with annual graduation numbers ranging from 250 to 300 students.
The recent developments occur against a backdrop of increased Israeli pressure on UNRWA. This comes after the Knesset passed legislation in 2024 that restricts the agency's operations, including a ban on its activities within Israel. This legislation took effect early last year.
In October of the previous year, the International Court of Justice reaffirmed Israel's responsibility to respect UN facilities' inviolability, including those operated by UNRWA, and to refrain from obstructing the agency's operations. Despite Israeli pressure, the UN General Assembly renewed UNRWA's mandate for an additional three years in November, allowing the agency to continue its work until June 2029.