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New Israeli raid on UNRWA center in East Jerusalem sparks reactions
Palestinian authorities said Israeli police raided the UNRWA Qalandia Training Center in occupied East Jerusalem again on Sunday. The raid took place two days after Israeli forces withdrew from the center following a four-day intervention and drew reactions from Arab countries and the United Nations.
The Qalandia Training Center, run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, was targeted in a new raid by Israeli police.
The Jerusalem Governorate announced the raid in a brief statement on Sunday but did not provide further details about the incident.
Israeli forces had withdrawn from the center after a four-day intervention. The new raid took place two days after that withdrawal. The earlier intervention prompted widespread reactions from Arab countries and the United Nations.
Traces of the intervention at the center
Israeli forces evacuated and took control of the center on Tuesday, raising an Israeli flag in its courtyard. After they withdrew on Friday, security cameras were installed inside the building, while soldier figures were left in some sections.
Municipal work was also said to be continuing at the center. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took part in the raid on August 25 and said there was no place for UNRWA in Jerusalem or Israel.
UNRWA condemnation
UNRWA condemned the actions taken against the Qalandia Training Center. The agency also objected to what it described as unlawful activities carried out in its buildings, in addition to the raid.
The agency reiterated its commitment to fully resuming educational activities at the center.
Israeli pressure on the agency
The new raid again brought Israel’s pressure on UNRWA to the fore. The Israeli Knesset passed two laws restricting the agency’s activities in October 2024. One of those laws banned UNRWA’s activities inside Israel and took effect at the beginning of 2025.
In October 2025, the International Court of Justice reaffirmed that Israel must respect the inviolability of United Nations buildings, including UNRWA facilities. The court also stated that Israel must not interfere with the agency’s property and assets.
In December 2025, the United Nations General Assembly extended UNRWA’s mandate for another three years. The decision allowed the agency to operate until June 2029.
Activities of the Qalandia Center
Established in 1952, the Qalandia Training Center provides vocational and technical training to hundreds of Palestinian refugees each year.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA operates in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
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