**Title: UNRWA Chief Condemns Israeli Seizure of East Jerusalem Facility**
**Date: August 26, 2026**
The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Christian Saunders, has publicly condemned the Israeli seizure of the Qalandiya Training Centre located in East Jerusalem. This incident, which occurred on August 25, 2026, has raised significant concerns regarding the rights of Palestinian refugees and the agency's ability to operate within the region.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Saunders described the Israeli raid as part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining UNRWA and diminishing Palestinian rights. He emphasized that such actions violate the sanctity of UN premises and asserted that the agency is committed to its mission despite these challenges. "Might doesn’t win out in resolving the conflict," he stated, affirming that UNRWA "is not going anywhere."
The raid involved Israeli forces expelling UNRWA employees from the Qalandiya Training Centre, which serves as an educational facility for young Palestinians. According to reports, five Palestinians sustained injuries due to Israeli gunfire in the vicinity of the training centre during the incident. The facility is crucial for the education of approximately 340 young people, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Saunders lamented that the closure of the centre deprives these students of essential training and educational opportunities, which are vital for their future.
The Israeli government, represented by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has justified the seizure by asserting that the property is owned by the Jewish National Fund and has been repurposed for a planned educational and community complex under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Municipality. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation as lawful, citing legislation enacted in October 2024 that restricts UNRWA's activities in the region.
UNRWA, however, disputes these claims, maintaining that the Qalandiya Training Centre is a UN facility protected under international law. The agency's operations are critical not only for education but also for providing humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The recent raid follows heightened tensions in the area, including the closure of the nearby Qalandiya checkpoint and a significant Israeli military presence. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing violence, with several UNRWA workers reported killed amid the conflict.
Saunders expressed concern that the actions against UNRWA are part of a systematic effort to weaken the agency and reduce its funding, which could have dire implications for Palestinian refugee rights. He linked these efforts to the broader issues of the right of return, reparations, and compensation for Palestinian refugees. "If UNRWA is defunded and eliminated, they are hoping that the issue of the refugees will go away," he warned.
Despite the challenges, Saunders reaffirmed UNRWA's commitment to its mandate, which is derived from the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized that the agency's role is to provide essential humanitarian and public services while the political situation remains unresolved. "We are a humanitarian organization; we are a development organization," he stated, underscoring the importance of UNRWA's work in the region.
However, Saunders also acknowledged the limitations of the UN in preventing further incursions into its facilities without collective action from member states. He highlighted the need for a unified approach to address the ongoing issues faced by Palestinian refugees, noting that the lack of determination among member states has persisted for over seven decades.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is urged to consider the implications of such actions on the lives of Palestinian refugees and the broader quest for peace in the region. The future of UNRWA and its ability to provide critical services remains uncertain amid rising tensions and ongoing conflict.