Israel Seizes UNRWA Training Centre in East Jerusalem

Israeli forces seized and evacuated the Qalandia Training Centre, the last remaining facility operated by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in occupied East Jerusalem on August 26, 2026. The operation, carried out under the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks a significant escalation in Israel's campaign against the agency and its services for Palestinian refugees.

The raid began at approximately 10 a.m. local time, with at least four armored vehicles and more than 50 Israeli security personnel entering the compound located between the Kafr Aqab neighborhood and the Qalandia refugee camp. Around 20 UNRWA staff members were present at the site at the time. Israeli forces closed the main road near the center's entrance and moved between its buildings, while a convoy of three civilian vehicles was later seen leaving under military escort. Palestinian sources reported that around 40 employees were briefly questioned and then ordered to leave and not return.

UNRWA condemned the incursion, stating that armed forces had entered a United Nations facility without authorization. "The entry of armed security forces into a United Nations facility,...