Israeli forces’ entry into the UNRWA education center in occupied East Jerusalem drew a response from UK Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty. In a statement on Wednesday, Doughty described the forced entry into and takeover of the center by Israeli forces as “extreme.”
Doughty said the Qalandiya Education Center had provided education and opportunities to Palestinian refugees for generations and said Israel must comply with its obligations. The UK minister also called for respect for the inviolability of United Nations facilities.
Israeli forces take control of the center
Israeli forces evacuated staff from the UNRWA facility on Tuesday, then took control of the compound and raised the Israeli flag in the courtyard.
The forces also deployed around the Qalandiya Refugee Camp and Kafr Aqab. Raids were carried out in these areas, along with searches and field interrogations of Palestinians.
UNRWA condemns unauthorized entry
UNRWA strongly condemned the unauthorized entry into the center and described it as a development of serious concern. The agency said it was unacceptable for armed security forces to enter a United Nations facility without the permission or approval of the United Nations.
The agency said the facility was protected under international law by the privileges and immunities granted to UNRWA and stressed that full respect must be shown for the center’s inviolability.