The European Union and 14 countries have condemned Israel’s seizure of a UNRWA facility in occupied East Jerusalem and reaffirmed their support for the UN agency that provides essential services to Palestinian refugees.
In a joint statement, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK criticized the Israeli forces’ entry into the Qalandia Training Center and the takeover of UNRWA property.
The countries stressed that UN facilities are protected under international law and called on Israel to fully comply with UN directives allowing UNRWA to operate without interference. They also urged Israel to immediately stop actions disrupting the agency’s activities.
Israeli forces reportedly removed UNRWA employees from the center, took control of the facility and raised the Israeli flag. Israeli troops also carried out searches and interrogations in the nearby Qalandia refugee camp and Kafr Aqab area.
The Qalandia center provides educational, vocational and health services, including training workshops, classrooms, accommodation and administrative facilities. Established in 1952, it was UNRWA’s first center in Palestine and currently serves around 270 students across 16 vocational fields.
The seizure comes amid growing Israeli restrictions on UNRWA. Israeli lawmakers approved legislation in 2024 limiting the agency’s operations, with the measures taking effect last year.
The International Court of Justice has previously emphasized Israel’s obligation to respect UN facilities and avoid interfering with UNRWA. Despite Israeli opposition, the UN General Assembly later renewed UNRWA’s mandate for another three years, allowing it to continue operating until June 2029.
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