“Your facts are wrong, you are supporting an organization that is a hotbed of terrorism,” the ministry said.
By United with Israel Staff
The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Thursday sharply rejected a joint statement by 14 countries and the European Union condemning Israel’s takeover of a UNRWA compound in northern Jerusalem.
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union, accused Israel of an “unlawful entry” into UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre and the seizure of UNRWA installations in eastern Jerusalem.
The countries, all members of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, called on Israel to “halt all disruptions to UNRWA’s activities and operations without delay,” arguing that UN premises are protected under international law.
Joint local statement of the diplomatic representations of 🇧🇪🇧🇷🇨🇦🇩🇰🇪🇺🇫🇷🇩🇪🇮🇪🇮🇹🇯🇵🇳🇱🇳🇴🇪🇸🇨🇭🇬🇧Advisory Commission on the unlawful entry into UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre on 25 August. pic.twitter.com/3N0LiQA0ca
— Consulate General of Belgium in Jerusalem (@BelgiumJRS) August 27, 2026
Israel’s Foreign Ministry fired back, accusing the governments of getting their facts wrong and defending an organization deeply compromised by terrorism.
“Your facts are wrong, you are supporting an organization that is a hotbed of terrorism, and you would rather make baseless attacks against Israel than act in the best interests of the Arab children of Kafr Aqab. It’s a shame,” the ministry said.
The ministry said UNRWA never held property rights to the facility and had occupied it unlawfully. It added that the site is slated to become a school and community center serving children in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood.
Israel also pointed to evidence of UNRWA employees’ involvement with Hamas, citing a U.S. government report that found more than 100 agency employees participated in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 massacre.
“UNRWA employees have served as terrorist operatives, and UNRWA facilities have been systematically used for terrorist purposes,” the ministry said, adding that Israel’s actions were carried out in accordance with Israeli and international law.
Israeli security forces moved Tuesday to take control of the Kafr Aqab compound, beginning the process of removing UNRWA from the site and replacing it with a municipal education and community complex for local Arab residents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was carried out at his direction and under legislation passed by the Knesset prohibiting UNRWA activity on Israeli territory.
“The State of Israel will not allow an organization whose employees were involved in terrorism and in the October 7 massacre to operate in its territory, and will act against it with every tool at its disposal,” Netanyahu said.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!