Guterres condemns Israeli raids on UN learning centers in East Jerusalem

19/2/2025 7:15

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned Israeli forces violently raiding a UN agency's training center and schools in East Jerusalem, with hundreds of students ordered to evacuate.



"I can tell you that the secretary-general strongly condemns the breach of the inviolability of United Nations premises in occupied East Jerusalem," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for Guterres.



Dujarric said the Israeli forces raided the Kalandia Training Centre, operated by the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), and attempted to enter three UNRWA schools forcibly and to seek their closure.



"The use of tear gas and sound bombs in educational environments while students are learning is both unnecessary and unacceptable," Dujarric said. "This is a clear violation of Israel's obligations under international law, including obligations concerning the privileges and immunities of the UN and its personnel. The inviolability of United Nations premises must be respected at all times."