Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Declares Complete Israeli Sovereignty After UNRWA Evacuation

On Tuesday morning, Israeli security forces, including police, the IDF, and Jerusalem Municipality officials, completed the evacuation of the last UNRWA compound in Jerusalem, located in the Kafr Aqab area near Qalandiya. This marks the final step in a broader government initiative to remove UNRWA operations from the city following a law passed over a year and a half ago banning the organization's activity in Israel.

Deputy Mayor Aryeh King told Channel 7 that every vacated UNRWA property in Jerusalem will be repurposed for defined Israeli public uses. For example, the recently cleared Shuafat compound will be converted into a school, while the Givat HaTahmoshet site is planned to become a military recruitment office. The Kafr Aqab site, situated on land owned by the Jewish National Fund since 1937, was previously used by Jordanian authorities before UNRWA operated there.

King emphasized that the evacuation was coordinated among police, the municipality, and the IDF to prevent reoccupation, with security presence to remain. Despite some opposition from local residents and workers, the operation proceeded without incident. He recalled a prior UNRWA evacuation attempt that was disrupted by an armed terrorist who was neutralized on site.

The deputy mayor framed the UNRWA removals as part of a larger policy to strengthen Israeli sovereignty and governance in Jerusalem, stating, "There are no longer areas in Jerusalem without control and sovereignty." Alongside security efforts against terrorism, the municipality is investing in infrastructure and public services in eastern Jerusalem to enhance long-term stability and governance.

Summary: Israeli authorities completed the evacuation of the last UNRWA compound in Jerusalem’s Kafr Aqab area, repurposing all former UNRWA properties for Israeli public use as part of enforcing a law banning UNRWA activity in Israel. Deputy Mayor Aryeh King highlighted this as a key step in asserting full Israeli sovereignty and improving infrastructure in eastern Jerusalem.