UNRWA warns Israeli takeover of Qalandia training college threatens Palestinian refugee education

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned that any illegal closure or seizure of the Qalandia Training College by Israeli authorities would deprive thousands of Palestinian refugees of essential education and vocational training. The college, the first UNRWA vocational institute established more than 70 years ago, enrolls hundreds of students aged 15‑19 from across the West Bank and provides free technical programs. Israeli forces have entered the campus repeatedly this year – on 18 February, 11 May, 30 June and 27 July – detaining about 80 students and 45 staff members without official notice. During a Zoom briefing, UNRWA West Bank affairs director Roland Frederick stressed that the college enjoys protected status under UN conventions and that any unauthorized entry violates those agreements. The warnings come as the Israeli Knesset passed two laws in October 2024 restricting UNRWA activity in areas Israel claims sovereignty over and banning official contact with the agency. Ongoing threats to the college jeopardize its operation and the future of refugee education in the occupied territories.