Arabic version: إسرائيل تداهم مركز الأونروا في قلنديا
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces raided the UNRWA-operated Qalandiya Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday. The operation was led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and was justified by Israeli authorities under October 2024 legislation banning the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA media adviser Adnan Abu Hasna said the agency was not informed in advance of action against the Qalandiya complex. He described the lowering of the UN flag and takeover of the headquarters as unprecedented, calling it a dangerous escalation against international humanitarian law, UN laws and the mandate granted to UNRWA by the UN General Assembly.
Abu Hasna said a June 14, 1967, agreement between UNRWA and Israel provided for facilitating the agency’s operations and protecting its facilities, employees and headquarters, which enjoy immunity and privileges. UNRWA operates schools and provides healthcare, social services and microfinancing for Palestinians. It is also facing a financial crisis, with Abu Hasna citing $360m in cuts by the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers, about 30 percent of its annual budget.
Israeli affairs expert Adel Shadid told Al Jazeera that the centre’s location beside the historic Qalandiya Airport connected the raid to wider territorial ambitions. He said Israel seeks control of the airport area for a settlement of more than 9,000 units and a Jewish heritage centre, describing the plan as part of a “Greater Jerusalem” project that would carve out 12 to 13 percent of the West Bank.
Military analyst Elias Hanna said control of Qalandiya could affect movement and links between Jerusalem and Ramallah. Qatari officials condemned the raid and warned of systematic efforts to strip millions of Palestinians of essential services. Mohammed Saeed of the popular committee of the Qalandiya refugee camp said the incursion conveyed a message of defiance over control of the land and its fate.
