12 Countries and EU Condemn Israel’s Raid on UNRWA Facility in East Jerusalem

Twelve countries along with the European Union strongly condemned Israel on Thursday afternoon for its raid on a UNRWA training center in Kalandia and the seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem on August 25. The countries issuing the joint statement included Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, all members of UNRWA’s advisory committee. The statement reaffirmed their support for UNRWA and emphasized that United Nations premises are protected under international law and must be respected. They called on Israel to immediately cease all disruptions to UNRWA’s mandated activities and honor its obligations.

The raid was led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, despite warnings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who advised keeping the operation low-profile to avoid escalating criticism. The evacuation of the UNRWA compound was pre-planned and agreed upon, but Ben-Gvir insisted on personally attending, stating to Netanyahu that he was enforcing Israeli law and would not back down. He claimed his approach was more effective than others and that activists no longer wished to return to Israel.

Ben-Gvir arrived at the site accompanied by security forces and a media crew, but the most notable act was by Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot, who smashed a monument to terrorists with a hammer. Ben-Gvir posted a video from the former UNRWA administrative office, declaring the organization would no longer operate there and that the site would be converted into a school for children. Prime Minister Netanyahu also issued a statement confirming the evacuation of the UNRWA compound in Kfar Aqab, Jerusalem, citing a law passed to prevent the operation of an organization whose employees were allegedly involved in terrorism and the October 7 massacre.

The United Nations condemned the Israeli actions, with Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, denouncing the unauthorized entry and illegal seizure of the UN facility in occupied East Jerusalem. This condemnation follows previous UN criticisms of Israel’s measures against UNRWA.

Summary: Twelve countries and the EU condemned Israel’s August 25 raid and seizure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir despite government warnings. The operation was pre-planned, and Israel intends to repurpose the site. The UN strongly condemned the unauthorized Israeli actions.