Ankara: Israel has seized the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)'s last major facility in occupied East Jerusalem, while the agency continues providing services across the West Bank despite intense Israeli pressure, UNRWA's West Bank director Roland Friedrich told Anadolu Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Friedrich stated that Israel had 'closed six UNRWA schools and two health centers and destroyed the agency's main headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem.' He highlighted the seizure of the Qalandia Vocational Training Center, a facility that had been operating since 1952, offering vocational training to young Palestinian refugees. Friedrich emphasized that this move by Israel constitutes a 'blatant violation of international law.'
Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967, an action that violates UN resolutions. While UNRWA operates three other vocational training centers elsewhere in the West Bank, Friedrich noted that Qalandia is the agency's oldest technical and vocational training center in the territory.
Friedrich explained that the Qalandia center has been instrumental in equipping approximately 340 young individuals annually, aged 15 to 19, with skills in carpentry, auto mechanics, and graphic design. He further stated that over 90 percent of the center's graduates secure jobs each year, providing much-needed support to young people from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds.
Friedrich expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the West Bank since October 7, 2023. He reported rising unemployment rates exceeding 30 percent across the region, with some refugee camps experiencing rates above 50 percent due to Israeli movement restrictions. Additionally, he highlighted the forced displacement of around 34,000 Palestinian refugees from the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps, who have been unable to return to their homes for over a year and a half.
As the largest humanitarian agency in the West Bank, UNRWA continues to provide education and health services to over 4,500 displaced children and other affected populations. Friedrich warned of a pattern of forced displacement and home destruction similar to that seen in Gaza.
Friedrich condemned Israeli actions against UNRWA, stating that, as a UN member state, Israel is obliged to support the work of the UN and UNRWA. He cited a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming Israel's responsibility to protect UNRWA staff and respect the agency's privileges.
Friedrich also addressed a funding crisis, revealing a $100 million shortfall due to decreased contributions from some donors, including the US and Arab countries. Despite this, private donations from Muslim communities and other regions have increased.
Friedrich reiterated that the rights of Palestinian refugees to return are guaranteed under UN General Assembly Resolution 194, regardless of UNRWA's existence. He noted ongoing Israeli pressure on UNRWA, particularly following the Knesset's approval of laws restricting the agency's operations, which took effect in early 2025.
The ICJ reaffirmed Israel's obligation to respect UN facilities' inviolability, and the UN General Assembly renewed UNRWA's mandate for three years last December, ensuring the agency's work continues until June 2029.