Israel hits back at 15 countries, EU over criticism of UNRWA compound seizure

Israel's Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke to 15 countries and the European Union that condemned the seizure of UNRWA facilities in Jerusalem and Kalandia. The ministry called the joint statement "disgraceful," accusing the signatories of having "wrong facts" and supporting an organization that is "a breeding ground for terrorism."

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Your facts are wrong. You support an organization that is a breeding ground for terrorism, and you prefer to attack Israel with baseless accusations instead of acting for the benefit of Arab children in Kafr Akab. This is a disgrace.

The ministry referenced a report by the USAID Office of Inspector General, which it claimed found that more than 100 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 Hamas attack. "UNRWA employees served as terror operatives, and UNRWA facilities were systematically used for terror purposes," the Foreign Ministry stated. This, it argued, was the reason UNRWA operations were banned in Israel, asserting that all Israeli actions complied with both Israeli and international law.

Earlier in the week, Israeli police raided a UNRWA training compound in Kalandia, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive to evacuate the site. Netanyahu stated that Israel "will not allow an organization whose employees were involved in terrorism and the October 7 massacre to operate in its territory." The Foreign Ministry further claimed that UNRWA never held property rights over the compound and had been using it unlawfully. Israel plans to convert the compound into a school and community center.

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UNRWA employees served as terror operatives, and UNRWA facilities were systematically used for terror purposes.

The international statement, signed by countries including the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Spain, had urged Israel to "honor its commitments" and cease interference with UNRWA's operations. They reaffirmed their support for the agency, emphasizing that UN facilities are protected under international law and calling for UNRWA to be allowed to work without obstruction.

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The State of Israel will not allow an organization whose employees were involved in terrorism and the October 7 massacre to operate in its territory and will act against it using all available tools.