Qatar Condemns Israeli Raid on UNRWA Facility, Cites 'Blatant Violation'

Qatar condemned the Israeli regime’s storming of a facility belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied East al-Quds. This strong condemnation from Doha noted the gravity of the incident. Qatar, through its official channels, called on the international community to take immediate action to protect UNRWA, according to a statement released by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The condemnation followed reports of Israeli forces raiding the Qalandiya Training Centre, an UNRWA facility located between Kafr Aqab and al-Ram, north of Jerusalem. This particular facility, as emphasized by Qatar, is considered vital to UNRWA’s broader operations across Palestine, providing essential services to a vulnerable population.

Israeli Raid Details

Israeli regime forces raided the Qalandiya Training Centre, an UNRWA facility, on Tuesday. The raid took place specifically in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood of occupied East al-Quds. During the operation, Israeli forces asserted control over the premises. They ordered staff to evacuate after seizing the site, subsequently announcing that the facility would be shut down. This move sparked immediate international concern and condemnation. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was notably present during the raid on the UNRWA premises, showing the high-level involvement in the operation. The seizure and announced closure of the centre directly impact the agency's ability to deliver key aid and support to Palestinians.

Qatar's Strong Condemnation

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the raid on the Qalandiya Training Centre as a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law." This strong wording reflects Doha's deep concern over the actions taken by Israeli forces against a United Nations installation. The Qatari ministry emphasized that the Qalandiya Training Centre is vital to UNRWA’s operations in Palestine, providing a range of services from vocational training to other forms of assistance that are indispensable for the Palestinian population. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli regime’s targeting of UNRWA facilities is "systematic," a pattern of actions that Qatar believes is aimed at depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon of essential services. Qatar's statement further urged the international community to uphold its responsibilities and ensure the protection of UNRWA, which plays a critical humanitarian role in the region.

Context and Accusations

Hamas condemned Tuesday’s raid and seizure of the UNRWA vocational training facilities in Qalandiya by Israeli forces, led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Palestinian movement stated that the actions "represent a blatant act of aggression" and constitute "a dangerous step by the terrorist occupation government to target UNRWA." Hamas added that the incident "confirms the criminal nature of the occupation and its leaders, and their flagrant defiance of the international community and UN resolutions." The group also pointed out the timing of the raid, noting that the attack came a day after 28 diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Palestine had visited the centre. This visit had noted the international community's engagement with and recognition of UNRWA's work. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime has accused UNRWA of harboring members of Hamas who participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks. However, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has stated that Israel has not substantiated these allegations, casting doubt on the basis for such claims.

Hamas Reaction and Calls

Hamas reiterated its strong condemnation, noting that the takeover, detention of staff, and raising of the Israeli flag at the Qalandiya Training Centre "represent a blatant act of aggression." The Palestinian movement characterized these actions as "a dangerous step by the terrorist occupation government to target UNRWA." Hamas further stressed that the incident "confirms the criminal nature of the occupation and its leaders, and their flagrant defiance of the international community and UN resolutions." In response to these developments, Hamas called on the international community and UN institutions to take decisive measures to counter the Israeli regime's plans to target UNRWA and to protect the agency. The group showed the urgent need for international intervention to safeguard UNRWA's mandate and its ability to provide life-sustaining support to Palestinian refugees.