UNRWA chief condemns Israeli seizure of East Jerusalem facility

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has strongly condemned Israel's seizure of a facility in East Jerusalem. Christian Saunders, the agency's chief, described the raid as a deliberate move within a larger strategy to weaken UNRWA and erode Palestinian rights.

Saunders articulated his concerns to Al Jazeera, emphasizing that the actions against the agency are not isolated incidents but part of a concerted effort. He suggested that the ultimate goal is to dismantle the agency's operations and, by extension, undermine the fundamental rights of Palestinians who rely on its services.

UNRWA plays a critical role in providing essential support, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency's operations are often subject to political pressures and funding challenges, making such condemnations particularly significant.

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The raid is part of a campaign to weaken the agency and eliminate Palestinian rights.