The Qalandiya Training Centre, one of the oldest educational institutions in East Jerusalem, is currently facing threats from Israeli authorities. As of midday Friday, Israeli troops had withdrawn from the centre, but an Israeli drone was observed monitoring the area. The centre remains off-limits to Palestinians, and there are expectations of further military actions. Previous raids have left the facility with visible damage, including shattered glass and ransacked classrooms. UNRWA confirmed the damage and reported attempts of theft during the military presence.
Registration for the new school year was open until September 1, with classes set to begin soon. UNRWA expressed hope to reopen the facility as soon as possible. However, Israeli military and police personnel raided the centre on Tuesday, expelling around 40 staff members. This raid was notable as it included Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir stated, "Here sat the director of UNRWA, and now I sit in his place." The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to transfer the land to the Jerusalem municipality for an educational complex, despite the centre currently serving as a vocational training facility for Palestinian refugees.
Each year, approximately 340 Palestinian refugees graduate from the training centre, which offers vocational diplomas in 16 specializations, including carpentry and telecommunications. UNRWA reports that 90% of graduates find employment, a significant achievement given the high unemployment rate in the occupied West Bank.
The centre, established in 1952 on land rented from the Jordanian government, is claimed by Israeli authorities to belong to the Jewish National Fund. UNRWA asserts that the premises are protected under international law and that Israel has no jurisdiction over the land.
The situation is further complicated by Israel's declaration of the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1980, which Palestinians contest. Many, including graduates like 73-year-old Youssef Abu Latifeh, view the threats to the centre as part of a broader effort to undermine the rights of Palestinian refugees. Youssef, who graduated in 1974, emphasized the importance of the centre in providing educational opportunities for Palestinians.
In recent years, Israel's campaign against UNRWA has intensified, with new laws passed by the Knesset and restrictions placed on the agency's international staff. UNRWA has also faced financial difficulties exacerbated by Israel's freezing of funds, following unproven allegations of ties to Hamas. The agency has previously experienced closures of its schools and offices in East Jerusalem, impacting thousands of Palestinian children.