Israeli Authorities Target Multiple UNRWA Sites in Jerusalem Raids

In a bold enforcement of new laws, Israeli authorities raided several facilities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in eastern Jerusalem on Tuesday. Accompanied by police, Jerusalem city inspectors targeted locations that continued to operate despite the agency’s activities being declared illegal in Israel last month.

Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Aryeh King, announced that for the first time since the establishment of the modern-day State of Israel, government and municipal forces entered a compound owned by the KKL-Jewish National Fund. This area, used by UNRWA without permission, will now be repurposed for Jerusalem Municipality facilities. King emphasized that this action reclaims an 80-dunam (20-acre) complex previously occupied unlawfully.

The primary target was UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Center, which was seized amid clashes that saw Israeli Border Police using crowd-dispersal methods. Additional facilities were raided in the Nahal Ha-Egoz neighborhood, Kfar Hashiloach, and Kfar Akev, near the training center. A police spokesperson confirmed that officers were present to ensure security as municipal employees carried out their duties.

Israel has long accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas and other terrorist organizations, effectively operating as a terrorist entity. These claims were bolstered by evidence allegedly linking UNRWA personnel and facilities to the Hamas-led massacre of 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This discovery led the Knesset to pass laws banning UNRWA activities in Israel and prohibiting any contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA representatives.

Following the implementation of these laws, Israel shut down UNRWA’s two main offices in Jerusalem, causing the organization’s senior management to leave the country, including Judea and Samaria. However, reports surfaced that several UNRWA facilities continued to operate in eastern Jerusalem, sparking criticism over the lack of enforcement.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate implementation of the UNRWA law, ensuring strict enforcement. Cabinet Minister Meir Porush praised this directive, affirming that “there is no place for U.N. supporters of terrorism in our city.” His ministry, in coordination with other governmental departments, has prepared alternative services to replace those previously provided by UNRWA in eastern Jerusalem.

This decisive action reflects Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring security within its capital. The government’s readiness to provide alternatives underscores its dedication to the welfare of all Jerusalem residents while firmly opposing entities linked to terrorism.

Israel continues to stand strong against threats to its security and sovereignty. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in Israel.