Jerusalem, 29 August (H.S.): The European Union (EU) and 14 countries have strongly condemned the Israeli military’s takeover of a facility belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem. Reaffirming their support for UNRWA, the countries called on Israel to immediately halt any actions obstructing the agency’s operations.

According to Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency, a joint statement issued by the Consulate General of Belgium in Jerusalem said Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the European Union had condemned what they described as the Israeli military’s alleged “unlawful entry” into the Qalandia Training Centre and its takeover of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.

The countries, which are members of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, said United Nations premises are protected under international law. Referring to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, they stressed that the status of UN premises must be respected.

In their joint statement, the countries called on Israel to “immediately and fully comply” with UN instructions. They said UNRWA must be allowed to carry out its mandated humanitarian and other activities without obstruction.

The statement also urged Israel to respect its international obligations and immediately end all forms of interference with UNRWA’s activities and operations.

According to the report, Israeli forces on Tuesday removed UNRWA staff from the Qalandia Training Centre and took control of the compound. The Israeli flag was subsequently raised in the courtyard of the facility.

Israeli forces also remained deployed in the Qalandia refugee camp and the nearby Kafr Aqab area. Reports also emerged of search operations being conducted and Palestinians being questioned during the deployment.

The developments have drawn international criticism. The Qalandia Training Centre houses educational, vocational and health facilities, as well as training workshops, classrooms, dormitories and administrative buildings.

The facility was established in 1952 as one of UNRWA’s early centres in Palestine. Around 270 students currently receive training there across 16 vocational fields. Each year, approximately 250 to 300 students complete their training at the centre.

The latest development comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the United Nations over UNRWA. In 2024, the Israeli Parliament approved legislation providing for restrictions on UNRWA’s activities inside Israel and limitations on the agency’s operations. The law came into effect last year.

In October 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also reiterated that Israel must respect and protect the inviolability of United Nations premises, including facilities operated by UNRWA, and must not interfere with the agency’s work.

Subsequently, the United Nations General Assembly extended UNRWA’s mandate for another three years despite opposition from Israel. Under the extension, the agency is authorised to continue its operations until June 2029.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar