Israeli Police and Military Prepare to Evacuate UNRWA Compound in Kafr Aqab for Jerusalem Municipality Works

The Israeli police and military have confirmed preparations to evacuate the UNRWA compound in Kafr Aqab, a neighborhood in Jerusalem, ahead of planned municipal construction work. Over the past week, several professional discussions and a joint site visit involving representatives from the police, Jerusalem Municipality, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took place to coordinate the evacuation process. The police stated that the operation is in an advanced stage, with full evacuation and commencement of municipal works expected soon. They emphasized ongoing close coordination with all security and enforcement agencies to ensure the mission's completion.

This development follows a Knesset decision about a year ago, where 92 members approved a law banning UNRWA operations within Israel. Subsequently, Israeli security forces demolished UNRWA facilities in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Jerusalem, replacing them with a recruitment office. However, the Kafr Aqab compound, which includes schools and clinics, has not yet been evacuated. About six months ago, security forces attempted to evacuate the site but faced live fire, resulting in the death of a terrorist, and the evacuation was postponed.

Recently, B'Tselem's CEO, Shai Glick, through the organization's legal advisor, sent a letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz demanding acceleration of the evacuation. The letter argued that continued presence of the buildings rewards terrorism and violates the UNRWA law. The IDF clarified that since the compound is within Jerusalem's jurisdiction, the police bear responsibility for evacuation and demolition, while the military will provide security support as needed. The police reiterated their commitment to fully implement the law and coordinate the operation until the evacuation and subsequent municipal works are completed.