Israel Condemns UNRWA as Terror Incubator Amid International Criticism Over Jerusalem Facility

The Israeli Foreign Ministry sharply criticized a joint statement by 15 countries and the European Union condemning Israel's recent takeover of a UNRWA training center in Kalandia and its facilities in East Jerusalem. The statement, signed by nations including the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Japan, called on Israel to respect its commitments and immediately cease actions disrupting UNRWA's operations, emphasizing that UN facilities are protected under international law.

In response, Israel accused these countries of supporting an organization that serves as a "hotbed of terror" and of unfairly attacking Israel instead of helping Arab children in the Kfar Aqab neighborhood. The Foreign Ministry cited a USAID Inspector General report, referenced by former US President Donald Trump, alleging that over 100 UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas attack on October 7, and that UNRWA staff and facilities have been systematically used for terrorist purposes.

Israel stated that its actions against UNRWA in Jerusalem were legal under Israeli and international law, asserting that UNRWA never held legal ownership of the site, which it occupied unlawfully. The ministry added that the area is intended to be converted into a school and community center for children in Kfar Aqab. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over UNRWA's role and presence in East Jerusalem amid broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict issues.