Israeli Forces Begin Eviction of UNRWA Compound in Kfar Aqab Following Security Law

Six months after a previous attempt was halted due to gunfire, Israeli security forces initiated the evacuation of the UNRWA compound in Kfar Aqab this morning. The operation involves combined units from the Israel Defense Forces, Israeli Police, and Jerusalem Municipality, acting under the recently passed UNRWA law approved by 92 Knesset members, which prohibits the organization's activities within Israeli territory. While the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem's Maalot Dafna neighborhood was already evacuated and repurposed for a military recruitment office, the Kfar Aqab compound remained intact until now.

The earlier evacuation attempt was aborted after live fire was exchanged, resulting in the elimination of a terrorist. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the operation, emphasizing that Israeli police and other agencies are enforcing the law to remove UNRWA from the site. He condemned the organization for allegedly supporting terrorism and serving as a Hamas front, stating that any terror nests in Jerusalem will be dismantled.

Yulia Malinovsky, a Knesset member from Yisrael Beiteinu and the initiator of the UNRWA legislation, welcomed the eviction. She noted that after discussions with involved parties, the operation is finally underway with municipal contractors assisting. Malinovsky expressed regret that she had to resort to the Supreme Court to prompt government action and vowed to ensure Israel asserts sovereignty over the area following UNRWA's removal.