UNRWA alleges Israel takeover of agency buildings in East Jerusalem

UNRWA alleges Israel is taking over its buildings in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, a claim the Jerusalem Municipality denies, saying the properties are privately owned. The dispute follows Israeli legislation banning UNRWA operations in Israeli territory, which led to the closure of UNRWA schools in the camp, leaving hundreds of students without educational institutions.

UNRWA has accused Israel of taking over its buildings in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, a claim the Jerusalem Municipality denies. According to an UNRWA statement posted last week and shared by its West Bank director Roland Friedrich on X, personnel associated with the municipality entered UNRWA facilities without authorization, including the school compound, health center, and community services office. The municipality rejected the allegation, telling The Times of Israel that the properties are privately owned and that the municipality has signed a usage agreement with the owners. The municipality claims UNRWA unlawfully took control of the properties and did not pay rent, and that it intends to open educational institutions at the site for the benefit of residents. UNRWA charged that the premises were forcibly entered by breaking locks and that contractors had begun work, asserting that the moves violate international law protecting UNRWA property. The dispute follows legislation passed in late 2024 banning UNRWA from operating in Israeli territory, including East Jerusalem, over allegations that the agency was infiltrated by Hamas. Israel subsequently shut down UNRWA schools in the camp, leaving several hundred students without educational institutions. Israel has repeatedly alleged that UNRWA employees were involved in terror groups, and in June, UNRWA fired 70 Gaza employees over safety concerns.