Israeli forces raided a training centre run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in occupied East Jerusalem. Staff members were ordered out of the facility, and an Israeli flag was later raised in its compound. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, welcomed the operation and expressed satisfaction after the raid and flag-raising.

UNRWA said the action was a direct violation of international law. International law experts were also cited as viewing the incident in the same way. The entry of Israeli forces into a facility operated by a United Nations agency and the removal of its staff have been described as serious, raising legal questions over interference with UN agency operations.

UNRWA provides education, healthcare and other humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. The raid on its premises and the raising of the Israeli flag have generated renewed concern, according to the source. Ben-Gvir, described as a hardline politician known for his strict stance toward Palestinians, publicly supported the operation, which the report presents as reflecting that position.