Christian Saunders, Acting Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) , has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation of the agency’s Qalandiya Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem, calling the action a systematic attempt to undermine the agency and harm Palestinian rights.
The seizure occurred on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 , when Israeli forces raided this key UNRWA facility in the Kafr Aqab area. The forces expelled all staff and completely barred their return. Following this, the Israeli flag was raised in the compound’s courtyard. By Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Israel had further strengthened its presence there, and technical teams from the Jerusalem Municipality began maintenance and renovation work, indicating plans to establish a municipal educational campus there.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was involved in the operation , declared on social media that the agency has no place in Jerusalem or Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the operation was carried out under his orders. He cited a 2024 parliamentary law that bans UNRWA operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. The government justified the move by alleging the agency’s employees were involved in the October 7 , 2023, attack, although independent investigations have found no concrete evidence to support these claims.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said this was the fifth case of unauthorized entry by Israeli authorities into the facility since May 2026. He also cited other violations, including the seizure and demolition of the Sheikh Jarrah compound and the cutting off of utility services, such as electricity and water, to other UNRWA facilities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the incursion and reiterated that UN premises are protected and free from any interference under international law. The Palestinian Presidency and Foreign Ministry have called for immediate intervention by the UN Security Council, calling the evacuation a blatant violation of international standards regarding Palestinian presence and rights.
