Israeli troops raid UNRWA vocational centre in East Jerusalem, expel 40 staff
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Israeli troops raided the UNRWA Qalandiya Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, expelling about 40 staff members. The centre, the last remaining vocational training facility for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, has been raided six times this year. UNRWA confirmed damage to the facility and said it had received reports of individuals attempting to steal its contents.
Key Facts
- Israeli troops raided the Qalandiya Training Centre on Tuesday, expelling about 40 staff members.
- The centre has been raided six times this year, according to UNRWA.
- About 340 Palestinian refugees graduate from the centre each year, and 90% of graduates find employment.
- Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accompanied police during the incursion.
- The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the land will be handed to the Jerusalem municipality and turned into an educational complex.
The Raid
Israeli military and police personnel raided the Qalandiya Training Centre and surrounding areas on Tuesday, expelling about 40 staff members. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accompanied the police during the incursion. UNRWA confirmed damage to the facility when Israeli troops were present and said it had received reports of individuals entering the premises and attempting to steal some of its contents. By midday Friday, Israeli troops had withdrawn from the centre, but an Israeli drone still hovered overhead.
Centre Operations
The Qalandiya Training Centre is the last remaining vocational training facility for Palestinian refugees in occupied East Jerusalem. Each year, about 340 Palestinian refugees from across the occupied West Bank graduate from the training centre. Graduates can obtain vocational diplomas in 16 specialisations, including carpentry, telecommunications, and interior design. The United Nations says 90% of the graduates from the facility find a job.
Israeli Plans
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on social media that the land will be handed to the Jerusalem municipality and turned into an educational complex. UNRWA says it hopes to reopen the facility at the earliest possible opportunity. Registration for the new school year was open until September 1, and classes were to begin soon.
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Israeli troops raid UNRWA vocational centre in East Jerusalem, expel 40 staff
