Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Israeli authorities forcibly entered the Kalandia Vocational Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem on 24 August and took control of the facility, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The centre was the last UNRWA facility still operating in the city after Israeli authorities closed the agency's other schools and clinics there.
The United Nations condemned the entry of security forces into the UN facility without permission, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an immediate halt to interference and for the premises to be returned to the United Nations promptly.
Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, described the situation at Kalandia as critical, noting that Israeli security forces and officials are inside the compound carrying out alterations. He called this an unacceptable violation of United Nations privileges and immunities.
On the day of the incident, 24 UNRWA staff were present as preparations for the new academic year were underway. Israeli security personnel searched the site, opened buildings, and temporarily detained staff, who were subsequently released.
According to Friedrich, the closure of the centre may harm 340 male youth from the West Bank by depriving them of their right to education and vocational training. He indicated the incident is part of a broader attempt by the current Israeli Government to end UNRWA’s operations in occupied East Jerusalem, following legislation considered hostile to UNRWA adopted nearly a year and a half ago.