UN Chief Condemns Israeli Seizure of East Jerusalem Training Centre

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the Israeli authorities' entry into and occupation of the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General was "greatly alarmed" by the development, which he said would deprive young Palestinians of vocational education. Israeli security forces unlawfully entered the premises and carried out unauthorized works, according to the UN.

The centre, which has operated for over 70 years, provides vocational training and employment pathways to thousands of Palestine refugees. Around 20 UNRWA staff members who were present at the time of the entry were allowed to leave, Dujarric added.

Guterres urged the Israeli government to immediately cease interference with UNRWA premises, vacate and return all affected facilities to the UN without delay, and protect them from further damage. He described the actions as "wholly unacceptable" and inconsistent with Israel's obligations under the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that the Kalandia centre is UNRWA's oldest vocational training facility, serving hundreds of students from across the West Bank. In a separate incident, OCHA reported that Israeli settlers set fire to an aluminum factory in the Palestinian village of Ein Siniya, causing extensive damage to the structure and nearby farmland.