UNRWA warns of imminent end to its presence in East Quds (Jerusalem)
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (YPA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned of the “imminent end of its decades-long presence” in East occupied Quds (Jerusalem) due to what it described as “outrageous” actions by “Israel”.
UNRWA asserted that Israel’s actions are “part of an ongoing campaign to prevent UNRWA from fulfilling its mandate, granted by the UN General Assembly, in occupied East Quds, which is not under Israeli sovereignty.”
Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s Director in the West Bank, stated in a post on X last night, “In an outrageous move,” Israeli forces forcibly entered the UNRWA Jerusalem Health Center on Monday and demanded the removal of UN signs. This health center has enjoyed support from member states for decades and has been visited by many of them.
He added, “This incursion was followed by a temporary closure order against the health center for 30 days, and it may never be reopened.” Friedrich warned that “all of this signals a rapidly diminishing UN presence in occupied East Jerusalem.”
Friedrich continued, “Simultaneously, UNRWA has received notifications from service providers that electricity and water supplies to several facilities across East Jerusalem are about to be cut off. These facilities include schools, health centers, and other essential service points.”
He added, “Humanitarian services cannot operate without electricity and water.”
Friedrich noted that “yesterday’s developments follow amendments introduced in December 2025 to anti-UNRWA Knesset legislation.”
He warned that “if these amendments are implemented, they signal the approaching end of UNRWA’s decades-long operational presence in East Quds.”
@E.Y.M