Israel seizes UNRWA training center in occupied East Jerusalem
13:43, 25/08/2026, TuesdayU: Update: 14:35, 25/08/2026, Tuesday
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Israeli soldiers take security measures as a two-story Palestinian-owned home is demolished in Qalandiya town, northwest of East Jerusalem, on August 17, 2026. The demolition carried out by Israeli forces left at least 15 Palestinians homeless.The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday the seizure of the Qalandia Training Center belonging to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, claiming the site would be converted into an educational complex despite UNRWA's insistence that the facility is protected under international law.
Israeli authorities on Tuesday announced the takeover of the Qalandia Training Center belonging to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, located north of occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the Jerusalem Municipality had begun work to establish a new educational and community complex in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood, claiming the site would serve thousands of Palestinian residents.
Historical ownership allegations
The ministry alleged that the site had been owned by the Jewish National Fund since 1937 and was allocated to the municipality for the development project. It stated that the planned complex is expected to include additional schools, a mosque, sports facilities, and health facilities in the coming years.
Knesset ban and UN response
The ministry claimed that UNRWA had fenced off the land for decades despite having no ownership rights over it, citing legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset in October 2024 banning the agency's activities in Israel. UNRWA maintains that the Qalandia Training Center is a UN facility and is protected under international law.
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