By SUNTV Global Channel
August 26, 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the reported entry and continued presence of Israeli authorities at the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem, describing the action as unacceptable and contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law.
Guterres said Israeli authorities entered the United Nations facility and carried out what he described as unauthorised works on the premises, warning that the development could disrupt vocational education for young Palestinians.
“I condemn in the strongest terms today’s actions by the Israeli authorities to unlawfully enter and remain on the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem and carry out unauthorized works in those premises,” Guterres said.
He expressed concern that the development could deprive young people of vocational education and opportunities to acquire skills needed for economic independence.
The UN chief called on the Israeli government to immediately end what he described as interference with UNRWA facilities, leave the affected premises and return them to the United Nations.
The controversy followed an earlier statement by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which said Israeli security forces had entered the training centre with armoured vehicles and more than 50 security personnel.
According to UNRWA, about 20 of its staff members were inside the facility when the operation took place.
The agency said Israeli officials subsequently made public statements indicating that the premises had been seized by Israeli authorities.
UNRWA condemned the entry, arguing that armed security personnel had entered a United Nations facility without the organisation’s authorisation or consent.
The agency stressed that the Kalandia Training Centre is protected by the privileges and immunities afforded to the United Nations under international law.
UNRWA also highlighted the centre’s long history, describing it as its oldest vocational training facility and saying it has served Palestine Refugees for more than seven decades.
Thousands of Palestine Refugees have reportedly graduated from the centre, with many going on to participate in local and regional labour markets.
The agency said the centre continues to provide hundreds of students each year with access to vocational education, particularly young people from refugee communities across the occupied West Bank who face significant socio-economic challenges.
UNRWA warned that interference with its facilities could affect the organisation’s ability to carry out its mandate and provide essential services to Palestine Refugee communities.
The agency called on the international community to take immediate action to protect the Kalandia Training Centre and other United Nations facilities in occupied East Jerusalem.
It also urged authorities to ensure that UN premises remain protected from unauthorised entry or seizure and that UNRWA can continue its humanitarian and educational work without intimidation, obstruction or interference.
The development has heightened concerns within the United Nations over the protection of its facilities and the future of vocational education and other services provided to Palestine Refugee communities.
SUNTV Global Channel reports.
