Qatar Strongly Condemns Israeli Forces' Raid on UNRWA Center in East Jerusalem

Qatar has strongly condemned the illegal raid carried out by Israeli forces on a UNRWA training centre in occupied East Jerusalem, warning that the action violates international law and threatens vital refugee services.

In an official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the storming of the UNRWA vocational training centre in Kafr Aqab, located in occupied East Jerusalem, describing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a direct challenge to the international community.

The Ministry warned that systematic targeting of UNRWA ultimately aims to dismantle the agency and deprive millions of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon of its essential services.

The Qalandiya Vocational Training Centre, affiliated with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, was raided by Israeli forces as part of an operation to take control of the facility and expel UNRWA staff. UNRWA issued a statement strongly condemning the unauthorised and deeply concerning incursion.

Israeli forces had previously closed the nearby Qalandiya checkpoint and deployed heavily around the refugee camp and surrounding neighbourhoods. UNRWA employees were expelled and instructed not to return.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated in the raid, stating that Israel would remove UNRWA and transform the site into a school. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, claiming it was conducted under Israeli law and accusing UNRWA employees of involvement in terrorism.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the raid, calling the seizure a flagrant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation. Palestinian officials reported that the offensive resulted in several serious injuries, including a child shot with live ammunition, and widespread disruption across neighbourhoods.