UNRWA condemns Israeli security forces' incursion into its training center in occupied Jerusalem
Washington, Aug 25 (KUNA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) today condemned the “unauthorized and deeply alarming” incursion into its Qalandia training center in occupied East Jerusalem. In a press statement, the agency said that Israeli occupation security forces forcibly entered the UNRWA training center in occupied East Jerusalem at around 10:00 a.m., with at least four armored vehicles entering the UN compound alongside more than 50 security personnel.
UNRWA called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect the inviolability of the center and all other UN facilities in occupied East Jerusalem. The statement noted that approximately 20 UNRWA staff members were on site at the time, and that officials from the occupation authorities subsequently made public statements indicating that Israeli security forces had taken over the building.
It described the entry of armed security forces into a UN facility without obtaining UN permission or consent as “unacceptable,” adding that “the Qalandia training center is a UN facility protected by the privileges and immunities granted to the Organization under international law, and its inviolability must be fully respected.”
UNRWA stated that any “attempt to seize its facilities, interfere with them, or undermine its work in any other way undermines the United Nations’ ability to carry out its mandate,” affirming that it would continue to insist on protecting its buildings, staff, and operations, and on respecting the privileges and immunities granted to the UN under international law.
It emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that UN buildings are protected from unauthorized entry and seizure, and that UNRWA can continue to provide essential services to Palestine refugee communities without intimidation, obstruction, or interference, reaffirming the importance of the safety and inviolability of UN buildings and their protection. (End) A.M.M. / N.S.A.
