Israel hits back at UNRWA defenders after Jerusalem compound raid

Key Points:

• The Foreign Ministry condemned a joint statement by 15 countries and the EU criticizing Israel’s entry into a UNRWA training center in Kalandia and seizure of its facilities in eastern Jerusalem, accusing the statement of supporting terrorism and making baseless accusations against Israel.
• The criticized statement, signed by countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Canada, called Israel’s actions illegal and urged it to respect international law and allow UNRWA to operate without interference.
• Israel’s Foreign Ministry cited a USAID Inspector General report alleging over 100 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 Hamas attack, claiming UNRWA facilities were used for terror purposes and that the agency never had legal rights to the disputed site.
• The Israeli government has begun converting the seized UNRWA compound in Kafr Akab into a school and community center, following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s directive to end UNRWA operations in Israel due to security concerns.
• Recent legislation approved by the Knesset prohibits UNRWA from operating offices or providing services within Israel’s sovereign territory, reflecting the government’s stance against the agency’s presence amid security allegations.