Israel extends campaign against UNRWA to advance West Bank annexation
Summary
Israeli forces raided a United Nations facility run by UNRWA, the agency supporting Palestinian refugees, in East Jerusalem. The raid is part of a broader Israeli plan to control parts of the West Bank, including land near an old airport, which could prevent the creation of a future Palestinian state.Key Facts
- Israeli forces stormed the UNRWA Qalandiya Training Centre in East Jerusalem.
- The raid was led by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and justified under new Israeli law banning UNRWA activities.
- Qatar condemned the raid and warned it harms millions of Palestinians relying on UNRWA services.
- The targeted area is next to the historic Qalandiya Airport, which Israel aims to annex.
- Plans include building over 9,000 settlement units and a Jewish heritage center in the area.
- Experts say this expansion would cover 12-13% of the West Bank, breaking up Palestinian geographic continuity.
- UNRWA stated the raid violates international law and a 1967 agreement that protected its operations and properties.
- UNRWA also faces financial difficulties due to political defunding campaigns and Israeli restrictions on its work.
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