UNRWA Condemns Israel Raid
UNRWA Director of Affairs for the West Bank Roland Friedrich called Israel’s raid on the agency’s Qalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem a “grave violation of the privileges and immunities enjoyed by the United Nations.”
Friedrich said an Israeli force of about 50 to 70 personnel forcibly entered the compound and temporarily detained 20 staff members. He added that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was also on site without authorisation.
“What we are witnessing is a grave violation of the privileges and immunities enjoyed by the United Nations,” he said, adding that Israeli forces remained inside the compound.
Israel Defends UNRWA Action
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed in a statement that the UNRWA compound was ‘evacuated’.
“The State of Israel will not allow an organisation whose employees were involved in terrorism and in the October 7 massacre to operate within its territory and will act against it with all available means,” it added.
The remarks refer to Israeli allegations that several UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 attack.
Friedrich emphasised that UNRWA does not take allegations against its staff lightly.
“There is no place for terrorists in UNRWA, and there is no place for criminals. We take every allegation seriously, and we rely on the support of member states to provide us with information related to these allegations so that we can take the necessary action,” he said.
He continued that the agency had received the names of 19 employees who had been probed by the United Nations’ highest investigative body, adding that nine of those employees had been fired.
UNRWA Defends Its Mission
In April 2024, an independent agency-wide review conducted by three research centres under the leadership of former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna concluded that UNRWA “has a more sophisticated approach to neutrality than other United Nations entities or similar nongovernmental organisations.”
Friedrich added that UNRWA had not received any official notification regarding Israel’s unauthorised entry, noting that the facility has operated for 70 years and is located in East Jerusalem, where, according to the UN, Israel does not have jurisdiction under international law.
“What we witnessed today is not only a violation of the privileges and immunities enjoyed by the United Nations, but also a violation of the right of these young Palestinians in the West Bank to receive a quality education. This is, of course, deeply concerning,” he said.
He stressed that East Jerusalem is considered ‘occupied territory’, adding that the occupying power is responsible for providing services to the population under occupation, including allowing UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to operate, respecting their privileges, and protecting their facilities.
Friedrich said UNRWA continues to provide services in the West Bank, including through 90 schools serving more than 48,000 students and more than 50 health facilities. He added that the agency also provides relief and social assistance to more than 270,000 people.
Friedrich called for the safety of UNRWA staff to be ensured and for the United Nations and its personnel to have unrestricted access to its facilities. He also urged clear international support to ensure respect for the UN’s privileges and immunities and to allow the agency to continue its work.
The comments come after Israeli forces raided the Qalandia Training Centre earlier in the day. It was the last remaining UNRWA facility operating in East Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, following the closure of the agency’s headquarters, as well as health and educational facilities.
In late 2025, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation severing ties with and banning UNRWA from operating in Israeli-controlled Palestinian territories, a move that drew widespread international condemnation.
Article by Viory
Related Post:
Water lifeline wiped out – Airstrike hits recently opened desalination plant and mosque in Gaza
Share this content:
