New York (UNA/WAFA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned of the “approaching end of its decades-long presence” in East Jerusalem, due to what it described as “shameful” steps by Israel..
She stressed that what Israel is doing is “part of an ongoing campaign to prevent UNRWA from carrying out its mandate granted to it by the UN General Assembly in occupied East Jerusalem, which does not fall under Israeli sovereignty.”".
Roland Friedrich, director of UNRWA in the West Bank, said in a post on the X platform last night, “In a shameful move,” Israeli forces forcibly entered the UNRWA Jerusalem Health Center on Monday and demanded the removal of UN signs. This health center has been supported by member states for decades and has been visited by many of them..
He added: “This raid was followed by a temporary closure order against the health center for thirty days, and it may never be reopened.”
Friedrich warned that “all of this points to a rapidly diminishing UN presence in occupied East Jerusalem.”".
He continued: “Simultaneously, UNRWA received notifications from service providers indicating the imminent cutting off of electricity and water supplies to several facilities across East Jerusalem, including schools, health centers, and other essential service points.”".
He added: “Humanitarian services cannot operate without electricity and water.”".
He noted that “yesterday’s developments come after the amendments introduced in December 2025 to the Knesset’s anti-UNRWA laws".
He warned that “if these amendments are implemented, they signal the approaching end of UNRWA’s decades-long operational presence in East Jerusalem.”".
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