Israel hits back at 15 countries, EU over criticism of UNRWA compound seizure
Israel has dismissed condemnation from the European Union and 15 other countries following the seizure of a UNRWA training center in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police raided the Kalandia facility, which UNRWA describes as its last remaining vocational college in the city. The agency reports that more than $5 million in assets are at risk due to the operation. While international critics label the dismantling of the center as unlawful, Israel has pushed back against these claims as it continues its campaign against the agency.
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- ✓ Israeli forces raided the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem.
- ✓ The European Union and 15 countries criticized the seizure of the UNRWA compound.
- ✓ UNRWA states that more than $5 million in assets are at risk following the raid.
- ✓ The Kalandia facility was UNRWA's last remaining vocational college in Jerusalem.
What changed
Israel formally responded to criticism from the EU and 15 nations regarding the seizure of the Kalandia facility.
Live updates
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Israel rejects international criticism over UNRWA facility seizure
Israel has dismissed condemnation from the European Union and 15 other countries following the seizure of a UNRWA training center in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police raided the Kalandia facility, which UNRWA describes as its last remaining vocational college in the city. The agency reports that more than $5 million in assets are at risk due to the operation. While international critics label the dismantling of the center as unlawful, Israel has pushed back against these claims as it continues its campaign against the agency.
Why it matters
The Kalandia Training Centre provides vocational education to youth in East Jerusalem. This seizure occurs amid a broader Israeli effort to restrict UNRWA operations. Some observers link these actions to goals of advancing West Bank annexation.
What is confirmed
- Israeli forces raided the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem.
- The European Union and 15 countries criticized the seizure of the UNRWA compound.
- UNRWA states that more than $5 million in assets are at risk following the raid.
- The Kalandia facility was UNRWA's last remaining vocational college in Jerusalem.
Still unconfirmed
- Israel is extending its campaign against UNRWA to advance the annexation of the West Bank.
What to watch next
- Official Israeli justification for the legal basis of the Kalandia seizure.
- UNRWA reports on the status of assets and equipment following the raid.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- Al Jazeera — Israeli forces raid UNRWA training centre in occupied East Jerusalem
- UNRWA — UNRWA Press Statement on Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem
- BBC — Israel's seizure of Unrwa training college in East Jerusalem condemned
- Al Jazeera — UNRWA chief condemns Israeli seizure of East Jerusalem facility
- Haaretz — Israeli Police Launch Major Raid on Last Remaining UNRWA Facility in Jerusalem
- The Jerusalem Post — Israel hits back at 15 countries, EU over criticism of UNRWA compound seizure
- Al Jazeera — Israel extends campaign against UNRWA to advance West Bank annexation
- The Times of Israel — 8 EU countries, others, condemn Israel's 'unlawful' dismantling of East Jerusalem UNRWA center
- Middle East Eye — Israel versus the UN: How it got this bad
- Al Jazeera — UNRWA’s first and last vocational college in East Jerusalem is under threat
- A News — UNRWA says over $5M in assets at Jerusalem training center at risk after Israeli raid
- UN News — After Israeli seizure of Kalandia training centre, UNRWA warns of impact on youth
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