Israeli Forces Begin Eviction of UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem's Kafr Aqab

The Israel Defense Forces, Israeli Police, and Jerusalem Municipality have commenced the evacuation of the UNRWA compound in Kafr Aqab, East Jerusalem, following months of preparation and coordination among security and enforcement agencies. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the operation, stating that UNRWA, whose employees have been linked to terrorism and Hamas, has no right to exist in Jerusalem or Israel. He emphasized that Israeli sovereignty will be enforced firmly, and any terrorist presence in Jerusalem will be removed.

The evacuation follows the passage of the UNRWA Law in the Knesset about a year ago, which prohibits the organization's activities within Israel. Earlier this year, Israeli security forces demolished UNRWA facilities in the Ma'alot Dafna neighborhood and planned to establish a recruitment office there. However, the Kafr Aqab compound remained intact until now. Six months ago, an attempt to evacuate the site was met with live fire, resulting in the death of a terrorist and postponement of the operation.

The current evacuation began after a series of professional discussions and a joint site inspection by police, municipality, and IDF representatives. The police confirmed ongoing full operational coordination with all security bodies until the evacuation and subsequent municipal work are completed. The organization B'Tselem, which petitioned the High Court of Justice, welcomed the evacuation, expressing hope that all UNRWA sites in Israel will be fully cleared and replaced with educational, welfare, and community institutions serving the public.