Israeli Seizure of Kalandia Training Centre Raises Concerns for Palestinian Youth

The Kalandia Vocational Training Centre, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), was forcibly taken over by Israeli authorities on August 24, 2026. This facility was the last remaining UNRWA center in occupied East Jerusalem, following the closure of other schools and clinics by Israeli authorities. UNRWA has condemned this action, stating that the entry of security forces into a UN facility without permission is unacceptable.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate cessation of Israeli interference with UNRWA installations and urged the return of all affected premises to the agency. The Kalandia centre provided vocational training to approximately 340 male youth from refugee camps across the West Bank, and its closure is expected to significantly limit their educational and employment opportunities.

Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, indicated that this incident is part of a broader strategy by the Israeli government to undermine UNRWA's operations in the region, particularly following the enactment of legislation perceived as anti-UNRWA. Friedrich emphasized that the ongoing situation at the Kalandia Training Centre is critical, with Israeli security forces still present and conducting alterations to the facility, which he described as a violation of UN privileges and immunities.