rki.news | Source: Anadolu
Jerusalem, August 28 (Agencies): The European Union and 14 countries have strongly condemned Israel’s seizure of a UNRWA facility in occupied East Jerusalem, reaffirming support for the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees.
In a joint statement, the countries condemned the entry of Israeli forces into UNRWA’s Qalandia Training Center and the seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem.
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom joined the EU in the statement.
The signatories, members of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, stressed that UN premises are protected under international law and must be respected.
They called on Israel to comply immediately with UN directives and allow UNRWA to continue its mandated activities without interference.
Israeli forces expelled UNRWA staff from the center, seized the facility and raised the Israeli flag in its courtyard.
The Qalandia center, established in 1952, includes educational, vocational and health facilities and serves about 270 students in 16 vocational specialties.
The latest action follows increased Israeli pressure on UNRWA. Despite restrictions imposed last year, the UN General Assembly renewed the agency’s mandate until June 2029.