The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has condemned Israel for seizing one of its health centres in Al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and using it as a site for field interrogations and the detention of Palestinian civilians.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 14, 2025, UNRWA denounced the Israeli military’s actions as a severe violation of international law and an alarming disregard for the sanctity of UN facilities.
The agency highlighted that this latest incident follows a series of forced entries into its installations in the West Bank since October 2023, carried out by both Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups.
The UNRWA reiterated that all UN premises are legally protected under international law.
However, since Israeli legislation enforcing a no-contact policy with UNRWA came into effect on 30 January, the agency has been unable to engage with Israeli authorities to report and address such violations.
This restriction has raised concerns over continued breaches of international law, particularly regarding the protection of humanitarian infrastructure and civilian rights in Palestine.
The Israeli government has further intensified its crackdown on UNRWA operations.
In May 2024, the agency was forced to close its headquarters due to repeated attacks by settlers, including two arson incidents within one week.
Additionally, on October 10, 2023, the Israel Lands Authority announced the confiscation of land in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem, where UNRWA’s headquarters is situated, with plans to turn it into an illegal settlement containing 1,440 housing units.
Another UNRWA facility, the Kalandia Training Centre (KTC), was also targeted. On January 14, 2024, the Israel Lands Authority ordered UNRWA to vacate the site and imposed retroactive occupancy fees of 17 million shekels (approximately $4.76 million), citing unauthorised construction.
The UNRWA currently provides services to over 110,000 Palestinian refugees in Jerusalem, operating in Shuafat and Kalandia refugee camps.
The agency called for urgent action to safeguard humanitarian efforts and ensure the safety of its personnel and facilities.
