# Israeli seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-seizure-of-unrwa-facilities-in-east-jerusalem
> Updated: 2026-08-28T18:47:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Israeli forces seized the Qalandia Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem, an institution operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) since 1952. During the raid, approximately 40 employees were detained. Although Israeli forces withdrew from the building's interior, UNRWA reports that Israel maintains effective control through the installation of surveillance cameras, welding doors shut, and allowing Jerusalem municipality workers to perform maintenance inside.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reportedly present during the raid and expressed opposition to the agency’s presence. This seizure follows previous actions against UNRWA, including the destruction of its headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah and the closure of several schools and health centers.

A joint statement from the UNRWA Advisory Committee, including representatives from the European Union, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, condemned the seizure. The committee stated that United Nations premises are protected under international law and called on Israel to cease interference with the agency’s operations. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the international response, seeking accountability for violations against UN facilities.

## Claims

- The Qalandia Vocational Training Center has been in operation since 1952. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated there is no place for UNRWA in Jerusalem or Israel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The withdrawal of Israeli military forces does not signify the end of effective Israeli control over the center. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Israel seized the Qalandia Vocational Training Center, which is UNRWA's last major institution in Jerusalem. (single source)
- Israel has closed six schools and two health centers and destroyed the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. (single source)
- Israeli forces detained approximately 40 UNRWA employees during the raid for investigation. (single source)
- Unemployment rates in the West Bank have risen above 30% since October 7, 2023. (single source)
- The Qalandia center provides vocational training to 340 young refugees annually. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: UNRWA reports seizure of Qalandia training center by Israeli forces

Israeli forces have seized UNRWA's Qalandia Vocational Training Center in East Jerusalem, detaining dozens of staff and leaving the agency's last major local institution under effective Israeli control.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unrwa-reports-seizure-of-qalandia-training-center-in-east-jerusalem

### 2026-08-27: UNRWA Advisory Committee condemns seizure of agency facilities

The UNRWA Advisory Committee, including the EU and several nations, condemned Israel's seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem and called for immediate respect of UN immunity under international law.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unrwa-advisory-committee-condemns-seizure-of-agency-facilities

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Cite as: Israeli seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-seizure-of-unrwa-facilities-in-east-jerusalem